EXPERT TIPS This month's tips from the experts...

[ Expert Tips Archive ]

• American Standard’s Develops Easier Way to Clean Whirlpools
• Delta's New Botanical™ Bath Collection Blossoms in the Bathroom
• Moen Unveils New Technology to Simplify Installation

The StayClean technology offered in American Standard's whirlpools inhibits the development of mold and mildew in the whirlpool systems by featuring AlphaSan®, a patented anti-microbial agent. Bacteria and fungi can cause odor, discoloration, deterioration and decay of the whirlpool system. AlphaSan incorporates the natural protection of silver, which is well known to be effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. AlphaSan is manufactured into the whirlpool plumbing components, rather than applied as a surface treatment, which allows for long-lasting, durable protection, and prevents homeowners from having to frequently flush their whirlpool system with bleach and water.

American Standard still recommends cleansing with bleach on occasion, but StayClean whirlpools do not need such an aggressive cleaning to keep the system fresh. StayClean will be a standard feature on Porcher whirlpools and an optional upgrade on American Standard models.

[ TOP ]

Delta's New Botanical™ Bath Collection Blossoms In The Bathroom
Delta has made decorating the bathroom even easier and more colorful with its new Botanical™ Bath Collection. Inspired by specific garden flowers, the Botanical Bath Collection is an innovative line of faucets and bath accessories that feature optional interchangeable accent pieces in vibrant colors and an assortment of spout and handle styles.

Fitting almost any bath décor from traditional to contemporary, this collection offers homeowners an opportunity to match the decorative faucets with tub/shower and Roman tub fixtures, as well as coordinate bath accessories such as towel bars and robe hooks. Each faucet's distinct spout was designed and named after the flower that inspired its conception: Freesia™, Statice™, Calla Lily™ and Azalea™.

Consumers can also choose from two different handle styles - the Botanical, which comes with interchangeable colored accents, and the Neo Style that features a more traditional design and no accents. This flexibility allows homeowners to find the right combination and style that fits their own personal taste.

With the Botanical handles, consumers receive the following accent colors: orange, green, blue, chrome and white with the hot and cold markings, as well as a complimentary Allen wrench for changing the accents. Switching the accent colors is very simple: just unscrew the accent piece and insert a new one.

The Neo Style handle, which is a coordinating lever handle option with a traditional flair, has been redesigned and now features a more bulbous handle blade and does not include the interchangeable accents.

Interchangeable accents are also included with the two suites of coordinating bath accessories, tub/shower models and Roman tub faucets that all can compliment both handle series.

The Botanical Bath Collection has been designed for superior durability with cast brass spouts and all metal exterior parts.

[ TOP ]

Moen Unveils New Technology to Simplify Installations
Moen Incorporated has introduced three new technological advancements - the Hydrolock™ installation system, the No-Cut Shank for Roman tub with built-in shower diverter faucets and M-PACT® centerset platforms - that have all been designed to simplify the lives of contractors and home-do-it-yourselfers.

The Hydrolock, which was patented by ITT Industries and used by automobile original equipment manufacturers, is Moen's solution for connecting pullout hose and water lines to a new faucet with ease. Snapping together with a telltale "click," the Hydrolock allows even the novice do-it-yourselfer to be assured the connection is secure with an audible, visual and tactile confirmation. With an easier and faster faucet installation, the Hydrolock's dual internal o-ring seal prevents the possibility of leaks, as well as eliminates using tools to attach the water line to the faucet. The Hydrolock is being offered in Moen's Aberdeen™ kitchen pull-out faucet.

Moen's new No-Cut Shank, which is available on the Kingsley™ and Castleby™ Roman tub with built-in hand shower diverter, allows for a hassle-free installation. Most valves contain a shank that doesn't fit properly until the faucet is mounted which leaves the installer with the challenging job of cutting off the shank with a hand saw. The No-Cut Shank provides the installer with specific instructions to match the handles' height with the shank. As long as the handles are installed properly, then the No-Cut Shank will eliminate the cutting hassle and clean up of metal shavings.

The M-PACT® was introduced on the Asceri® line of faucets in 2000 and revolutionized the industry by simplifying faucet change-outs. The M-PACT® common valve system has allowed for an easy and stress-free faucet change-out by simply unscrewing the handles and spout, lifting them out and replacing them with the new style. The shower trim can be done just as easily by removing the handles and the trim from the wall and exchanging them. For 2003, Moen has rolled out its first MoPact two-handle centerset faucet with the Asceri, Kingsley and Castelby lines. This allows homeowners that prefer the look of a two-handle centerset faucet the same easy changeout advantages offered in widespread styles. For the time being, the M-PACT® valve architecture and fittings are being sold as one unit. In the future, Moen will offer the trim separately so homeowners and commercial users can change the look of the bath, which will save about 40 percent of the cost of a new faucet attributed to the valve architecture. This also saves on installation time by not having to disconnect and reconnect water lines.

[ TOP ]