World Plumbing Info

Italian designer bathroom products

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:43:02 +1100

With the recent introduction of Webert Italian Design bath products to the American marketplace, Elkay has created the new Webert Rewards program where showrooms can earn 'extra' cash incentives for selling these products.

Thailand gets WPC treatment

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:20:39 +1100

Danish Plumbing teacher Benny Wielandt, who won the 2008 WPC Lecturers’/Trainers’ Scholarship, has now submitted the report of his Scholarship visit to Thailand which he made in August 2009.

World Plumbing Day and the Haiti disaster

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:48:12 +1100

The inaugural World Plumbing Day will make a global impact on March 11 as the plumbing community unites to bring awareness to the value of this industry in relation to health and sanitation.

"There are days for all sorts of causes and their purpose is always about raising awareness," World Plumbing Council chairman, Robert Burgon points out.

Plumbing’s response to the Haiti crisis

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:25:45 +1100

On 12 January 2010, the small island nation of Haiti was rocked by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0. The tragedy brought to attention the poverty, lack of water and basic sanitation and desolation in which the people of this once popular nation reside.

Australian National Plumbing Forum 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:34:32 +1100

Readers of worldplumbinginfo.com are invited to an afternoon of brief informative presentations and lively discussion with plumbing industry colleagues.

World Plumbing Day 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:58:11 +1100

The first ever World Plumbing Day is to be celebrated on 11 March, 2010. worldplumbinginfo.com interviewed World Plumbing Council chairman, Robert Burgon to find out what it’s all about.

The waterless urinal debate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:28:08 +1100

What is the impact of waterless urinal discharge on the whole of plumbing system? It seems that unless properly maintained, the waterless urinal and related plumbing system is subject to struvite blockages that can cause serious long-term damage.

The article Waterless urinal research delves into the research conducted by Australia and New Zealand formed the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems (ASFlow).

Mario Super Plumber

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:42:35 +1100

Mario, the world's favourite plumber, has been honoured by Spain's largest professional association of plumbers for his role in improving the image of plumbers worldwide.

Water sterilisation in hospitals

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:23:03 +1100

Hospitals are by necessity significant water users. A new connection method for sterilising systems is set to save hospitals an average of 4,400L per day. Angela Tufvesson reports.

Rainwater tank pollution

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:08:51 +1100

Lead has long been targeted as a potentially harmful water contaminant. As rainwater tanks become increasingly popular, it begs the question: do they harbour elevated lead levels that are dangerous to public health? Angela Tufvesson investigates.

German tapware manufacturer expands

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:45:10 +1100

In spite of the difficult business climate internationally, highly respected German tapware, shower and fittings specialist Hansgrohe has recently set up its own distribution and marketing office in Australia.

Waterless urinals research

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:20:19 +1100

In an effort to integrate water-sensitive urban designs into current practice the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) for Australia and New Zealand formed the Australasian Scientific Review of Reduction of Flows on Plumbing and Drainage Systems (ASFlow) Committee to conduct research into the effects reduced flows are having on drainage systems.

Sewer blockage caused by screwdriver and rags

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:39:39 +1100

Flooding from a sewer in Northern Ireland was caused by a screwdriver and ball of rags.

New breakthroughs in water technology

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:36:57 +1000

As scientists, government bodies and industry professionals look at new ways to conserve water, one company is looking at a new way to make water.

The article Windmill technology produces rain highlights Dutch Rainmaker's use of windmill technology to produce drinking water from air.

Windmill technology produces rain

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:45:48 +1000

Several new technologies designed to produce drinking water have been tested in recent years. From wastewater to stormwater to deslaination, a line in the sand has been drawn to come up with solutions that stop the dissipation of the precious resource commonly known as H2O.

Where is world plumbing headed?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:47:05 +1000

Where is the world's knowledge of plumbing systems, drainage and technical matters? Wherever the knowledge may be, it is time for people to bring it altogether so it may be shared, discussed and debated in the hope that solutions to water management problems are quickly found.

Co-operation is the key to future development

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:07:07 +1000

The 35th International Symposium on Water Supply and Drainage for Buildings was held in September 2009. The symposium covers the research and development in the fields of hot and cold water supply and drainage systems, water conservation, corrosion and materials including trends, applications, evaluation and management.

Held in Dusseldorf, Germany the symposium brings together experts from across the globe to discuss problems and possible solutions to worldwide water management problems.

Co-operation is the key to future development

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:07:07 +1000

Held in Dusseldorf, Germany the symposium brings together experts from across the globe to discuss problems and possible solutions to worldwide water management problems.

Water system shares in funding

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:49:58 +1000

An innovative water system that mirrors cyclonic storm action to purify water for reuse is the recipient of government funding.

Plumbing technology moves forward

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:45:52 +1000

Convened in conjunction with the World Plumbing Council (WPC), the 2010 International Emerging Technology Symposium will bring a range of expertise together to discuss matters of plumbing, health and water efficiency.

Emerging technologies in water efficiency

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:31:42 +1000

Evolution is the natural by-product of any successful industry.

For the plumbing industry, evolution becomes even more important when it is linked to health and hygiene. Without new technologies, new ways of thinking, new Standards or even the mere discusssion of new ideas, systems and practices stagnate and lose touch with demand, supply and general thinking.

That's why it is important for countries around the globe to hold their own think tanks when it comes to moving plumbing practice forward.

Turning stormwater into drinking water

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:45:43 +1000

Scientists from Australia’s national science agency have turned stormwater from a city in South Australia into purified drinking water.

Brisbane to go toilet to tap?

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:47:33 +1000

Brisbane policy makers should take a leap of faith and advocate for advanced water recycling facilities says Philip Anthony, director of the Orange County Water District, who led development of the world’s largest advanced water recycling facility of its kind in Orange County, California.

Boiler scrappage scheme

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:36:20 +1000

Plumbers and plumbing suppliers in the United Kingdom are calling on Government to introduce a scrappage scheme for old boilers.

Condensing unit for the home

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:17:29 +1000

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to save money and enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle or a business owner trying to cut your bottom line, in these trying economic times an American company may have the answer.

No gray areas in building

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:48:26 +1000

When it comes to creating workable solutions in the plumbing sector, not everybody involved with the building industry sits on the same page. In particular graywater treatment engineers have to balance the needs of the builder with bureaucratic regulations and workable health practices.

Recently www.worldplumbinginfo.com spoke with Glen Milliott, an environmental engineer with Australian engineering firm, WJ Pratt to discuss the viablity of creating national guidelines or a white paper listing key assessment criteria to help curtail the differences in opinion, action and regulation.

New valve islolates water flow

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:05:06 +1000

Thirty years as a craftsman plumber led Andrew Southen to design an isolation valve, the Isovalve, that replaces a temporary test plug, includes a water filter and allows water flow to be adjusted at individual installations.

Fantech Quietflow

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:45:35 +1000

A new ventilation system is set to take the heat from rising energy costs.

Flow control outlets for hospitals

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:11:09 +1000

Consultants face the challenge of engineering more innovative ways to regulate the water use within buildings, while not impacting on the functionality of the system or providing any adverse health risk.

ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East re-scheduled to autumn 2010

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:44:32 +1000

Individual talks and strategic sessions with the key players in the sanitary and kitchen industries led to the conclusion that the timing for the upcoming ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East edition, which was to be held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 27-29, 2009, would instead be preferred in 2010.

Metal Pecker

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:20:49 +1000

The Metal Pecker is the brainchild of Melbourne-based plumber and h-vac installer Mario Arena who developed the tool out of pure frustration.

Plumbing Dictionary

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:24:24 +1000

The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) recently released the updated and revised version of the Plumbing Dictionary 6th Edition.

Alternative sewer waste system

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:18:37 +1000

Wherever there is no main sewer, generally in rural or remote areas, there is a need for an alternative system to deal with residential human waste.

Water conservation spearheads plumbing practice

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:41:12 +1000

I was speaking to a plumber recently about licensing and other related issues that have plumbers up in arms about the way their industry is being run. He lamented the fact that the greater focus of plumbing's governing bodies has shifted from grassroots problems to the global issue of sustainability and green plumbing.

Hot water saving and innovation

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:42:44 +1000

Plumbers and plumbing service providers know that millions of homes around Australia feature hot water reticulation systems that waste thousands of litres of water annually – because of the design of their hot water systems.

Nuova Showers

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:09:11 +1000

Distributed by Paco Jaanson and reaching Australian shores for the first time, Nuova Showers offers an infinite range of showering possibilities.

Mobile toilets for 2010 Expo

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:22:15 +1000

To cope with the demand for toilet facilities during the 2010 World Expo, the Shanghai Greenery and Public Sanitation Bureau will set up 49 sets of mibile toilets.

Plastic tube routing made easier

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:03:12 +1000

EZ Route LLC, a developer of routing products for PEX tubing has introduced EZ Route PREMIER.

Building valves industry posts considerable decrease in first half-year

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:39:22 +1000

The German building valves industry was hit by a nominal total drop in turnover of 17 per cent in the first six months of this year. That is the half-year balance of the branch organized in the VDMA Valve Manufacturers’ Association. The manufacturers of German building valves were unable to continue with the balanced results from the previous year.

Australia a leader in tackling water problems

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:18:52 +1000

A combination of strong community effort to conserve water and a multi-billion dollar infrastructure program have set Australia at the international forefront in managing urban water systems.

Hard water clogs showerheads

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:33:11 +1000

The first results of a major new study on the effects of water softeners in the home have shown that untreated hard water can rapidly lead to clogged showerheads, in some cases possibly as soon as a year and a half of regular use.

2012 Uniform Plumbing Code

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:24:00 +1000

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is now accepting applications at its Website from individuals wishing to participate on soon-to-beformed Task Groups working toward the development of the 2012 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC©) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC©).

Jetwave Wireless Inspection Camera

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:57:16 +1000

Jetwave Industrial Equipment has launched a new addition to its extensive range of Plumbers Drain Cleaning and Camera Inspection range of products.

Argweld® Trailing Shields

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:31:10 +1000

For most Stainless steel and Titanium welding applications, it is paramount to prevent any oxidation or discolouration from forming on or adjacent to the weld.

India fights hard against recession

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:04:38 +1000

Despite being hurt by a slowdown in the plumbing sector, India's contractors have only marginal concern. www.worldplumbinginfo.com spoke to Essenco Bangalore managing director Sudhakaran Nair for his views.

Plumbing Heating Cooling and Contracting industry response to recession

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:50:14 +1000

In the US where the economic downturn hit hardest, businesses across all industries has been slow. For many the key to riding out the recession has been to batten down the hatches and focus on strengths. www.worldplumbinginfo.com spoke to two members of the United States national Association of the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (PHCC) to get their thoughts.

Plumbing sector leaks as GFC lingers

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:19:04 +1000

The speculative nature of banks in creating risk by trying to manage risk, and indeed their greed, not only brought several banks to their knees, but took down whole industries with them. This article is not an examination of how the markets fell, or the aftermath of the US sub prime collapse, but a partial examination of how this industry was affected and the measures that some have taken to weather the economic storm.

Industry sector survives economic downturn

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:42:50 +1000

The plumbing industry seems to have survived the global financial crisis in spite of being immediately impacted by the collapse of the building sector, which was a major cause of the meltdown in the US.

This month www.worldplumbinginfo.com looks at the US, European and South African plumbing sectors to find out how industry is affected, how it is coping and what the future holds.

Siphonic roof drainage software

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:40:03 +1000

With DrainStar(R), the smart design and calculation software for siphonic roof drainage, benefits are double: up to 60% of building costs can be saved, while reducing CO2 emissions at the same time.

Watersave launches Uridan Stainless Steel Waterless Urinals

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:42:28 +1000

Watersave Australia has launched the Uridan stainless steel waterless urinals into the Australian market.