John W. Danforth Company wanted a lean jobsite for its new hospital project, so it worked closely with Zurn on packaging materials and delivery schedules long before any materials were needed, saving time and money in the process. The new Wynn Hospital of Utica, NY, part of the Mohawk Valley Hospital System, opened in October 2023 on time and on budget.
Wynn Hospital is located on 25 acres, and the 702,000-square-foot, 10-floor facility offers 373 beds, plus a helipad for easy air transport to and from the emergency department. It is expected to support 90,000 visitors per year. New York State Department of Health Commissioner James V. McDonald, M.D., said, “The opening of this new hospital not only brings expanded medical services, enhanced patient engagement, and greater access to high-quality health care, it’s also part of a community renaissance that will continue to improve the health and well-being of all Mohawk Valley residents.”
Read more about New York’s investment in the new Wynn Hospital here.
From the outset, Danforth set their sights on managing the packaging of materials and cadence of delivery so products were delivered as needed, pallet size requirements were met, products could be easily identified, and a lean jobsite was maintained. The Zurn team immediately established a partnership with Danforth and invited them to tour the Zurn Cary Innovation Center in Cary, NC. Representatives from Danforth evaluated high-volume pack outs, met Zurn team members, and reviewed the schedule months before any material was needed.
Zurn Product Manager Bob Carter noted, “Continual direct communication between Danforth and Zurn via phone, email, and text ensured expectations were met.” Weekly, biweekly, or monthly calls were held internally (depending on the speed of the project at the time) between customer care, operations, sales reps, and product management to coordinate material movement. The Zurn contractor team also held calls with the contractor, area manager, and product manager to get pertinent project information straight from the contractor. “It’s very evident that Zurn was willing to help us out whenever we needed it,” said Casey Hopkins, project manager at Danforth.
Zurn staged pallets at a local representative’s warehouse, ensuring pack outs were ready for shipment at a moment’s notice and within a day’s transit time. This approach meant that less material sat at the jobsite, lowering the risk of costly product misplacement or damage. Zurn’s efficient and accurate deliveries contributed to the on-time and on-budget opening of the state-of-the-art health care facility.
The project employed more than 1,500 Zurn plumbing fixtures, including dual flush manual valves for water closets, sensor hard-wired flush valves for urinals, bed pan washer flush valves for patient rooms, stainless steel sinks, sensor faucets, manual faucets, and Zurn drains.
Zurn One Systems took the guesswork out of mixing and matching different manufactured plumbing parts. As Hopkins explained, “Zurn does this awesome thing called a Zurn One Package. Everything you need to install a fixture in one box, ready to go.”
Zurn One delivered everything Danforth selected in a completely organized package—including labeled products, accessories, and clear assembly instructions. Danforth was able to preassemble products at their offsite facility and deliver them to the Wynn Hospital jobsite ready to install, saving both time and money.
Zurn describes best practices for ensuring safe, clean water in health care projects in a series of white papers here.
Danforth chose Zurn because they were confident Zurn would make their job easier. By managing the organization and delivery of product to the jobsite, clearly labeling deliveries, maintaining continual communication, and customizing pallets to Danforth’s specifications, Danforth’s confidence in Zurn proved to be well placed. “Working with Zurn will save you money. Simple as that,” said Hopkins.
For a new medical product manufacturing plant, North Mechanical chose Morris Group International® (MGI) brands Acorn Engineering Company® and Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® to meet the tight deadline and accelerate the manufacturer’s production capacity. MGI’s flexibility and willingness to prioritize the contractor’s needs proved crucial in helping North Mechanical overcome obstacles and deliver a successful project.
North Mechanical won the bid to be the mechanical plumbing contractor for a new 560,000-square-foot state-of-the-art plant for an Italian-based pharmaceutical company. The company manufactures glass vials that are crucial to the distribution of lifesaving medicines, including vaccines.
The project, located in Fishers, IN, was a response to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the owner’s production facility in Italy—a country hit particularly hard early in the pandemic. Plant operations were not the only point of impact; the entire supply chain all but came to a halt. The pressure was on to establish a new, reliable source of these essential components in the United States and help ensure supply chain security and reliable sourcing during a surge in demand. The new plant will play a critical role in the fight against disease today and in any future pandemics.
This critical project was on an expedited timeline. North Mechanical needed partners who could deliver high-quality products quickly, adapt to the demands of the construction process, and help them navigate the unique challenges of getting laboratories up and running before the building was complete.
Working with MGI representative P-M & Associates, North Mechanical selected Acorn and Smith stainless steel sinks and floor drains. P-M & Associates has worked with North Mechanical for nearly 40 years, through generations of leadership at both companies. It is a partnership that values quality, integrity, and service.
“Acorn and Smith products are high-quality, and everything is fabricated well and built to last,” said Tyler Holman, project executive at North Mechanical. “And we knew they’d be stocked and shipped to us on time.”
John Marini, national sales manager for Smith, added, “We’re lucky to have a rep with over 50 years of drain experience. P-M & Associates know how to accurately fill an order and have it delivered exactly the way the customer wants. That’s how they ensure their customers a superior level of service.”
Expect the Unexpected
The pressure to meet customer demand for the glass vials created a domino effect for construction. The entire project focused not only on building the plant quickly so it could start production, but also on getting the labs operational before the completion of the whole plant. That meant getting a certificate of occupancy for the lab area as construction was still underway. North Mechanical installed temporary water heaters for the labs, because the plant’s hot water system was not in place.
That was not the only challenge. There was also a shortage of concrete that began right around the time the project broke ground. Drains are usually placed before the concrete is poured, but the shortage meant that pour schedules changed daily. North overcame this challenge by prefabricating the drain assemblies in the shop so they could adjust to meet the erratic pour schedule.
MGI’s Distribution Powerhouse
Holman had confidence ordering the drains and stainless steel sinks because he knew that MGI could ensure the products were stocked and ready to ship, thanks to what MGI calls their “Golden Triangle.” Products made in City of Industry, CA, and Mexico are shipped to Montgomery, AL, where they join the Smith inventory in a 340,000-square-foot warehouse. From there, the orders are loaded onto trucks and sent on their way. MGI CEO Donald E. Morris likes to call the Montgomery distribution center “the beehive” because stock trucks are always coming and going with precision.
Montgomery’s central location helps make the Smith plant, warehouse, and property one of the best distribution centers in commercial plumbing, and Smith’s experience adds to the value. Smith products—drainage, cleanouts, backwater valves, and traps—are often the first products to go into the ground on a jobsite. Nothing is worse for a contractor than having a cement truck lined up to pour a slab and not having drains and fittings in place because those parts have not been delivered.
“That is the sort of pressure Smith is used to dealing with, and they’ve done a fantastic job and continue to be the best in putting product out in the field on time,” said Barrett Morris, president of Acorn and Smith. “It is why we’ve made Montgomery our distribution hub.”
Get a glimpse of day-to-day operations at the Smith plant and warehouse in Montgomery, AL in this video.
Partnership + Expertise = Results
The manufacturing site is still under construction, but it is on schedule to open this year. Thanks to North’s ability to adapt and react quickly to get the labs open on time, the owner celebrated the production of the very first product in the new plant late last year.
North Mechanical’s expertise, combined with a strong partnership with MGI and P-M & Associates, allowed it to navigate the demanding timeline and deliver outstanding results. Michael Henderson, president & CEO of P-M & Associates, said, “North Mechanical is one of the most progressive and innovative contractors in the country, and their leadership team continues to find ways to provide value-add to their projects and customers. From the field to the front office, the North Mechanical team works consistently and cohesively to deliver projects on time and not get bothered by the pressures you sometimes see on large-scale projects.”
Take a video tour of the MGI manufacturing facilities in the City of Industry, CA, where Acorn and other MGI products are made.
Press tools are a reliable and accessible choice for joining pipe in all commercial and residential settings, with a variety of press tool options available depending on the jobsite. Today’s professionals can rely on press tools to make secure, flameless connections on copper, stainless steel, PEX, and black iron in a fraction of the time it takes to solder pipe. A press tool not only saves you time, it also saves you money by delivering reliable performance, press after press.
When deciding which type of press tool to use, tool capacity, application, and size are the primary factors that will determine which press tool is right for the job:
A mini press tool can be used for 1/2” to 3/4” copper, stainless steel, and PEX tubing. It is small and lightweight, making it perfect for most residential and service-oriented plumbers.
The compact press tool category has a slightly larger capacity, 1/2” to 1-1/4” on copper and stainless steel and up to 1-1/2” on PEX, 1” on carbon steel, and 1-3/8” on refrigeration lines. This tool is a good fit for residential jobs but can also be used for light commercial work.
The standard press tool is the workhorse for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It is capable of pressing up to 4” copper and stainless steel. Some brands offer add-ons that allow you to press all the way up to 4” carbon steel and up to 2” PEX.
An extended press tool is a dedicated tool for up to 4” carbon steel with the same capacity as the standard tool in the smaller sizes. It is ideal for anyone in a commercial or industrial setting pressing large-diameter fittings daily.
Along with these basic categories, additional features to look for are ergonomic design, enhanced lighting, head rotation, and Bluetooth capabilities. Using press tools with these upgrades further enhances the simplicity of using a press tool for fast, quality pipe joining on any type of jobsite. For example, the RP 240 Ridgid Press Tool is lightweight and ergonomically designed, with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to track the battery status and more. Regardless of the tool selected, these features will help you work smarter and more efficiently on any jobsite.
The key to a successful restroom renovation lies in balancing aesthetics with practicality to create a space that is not only visually appealing but also integrates functionality, durability, and performance. A well-designed restroom can significantly enhance the overall experience for users, leaving a positive impression and reflecting well on the facility.
From the contractor’s perspective, specifying the right products for a restroom renovation can streamline the installation process and ensure long-term satisfaction for clients. Here’s how:
Time savings: By choosing high-quality, reliable products, you reduce the likelihood of installation issues and callbacks, saving time and effort.
Efficiency: Sensor faucets and other touchless fixtures reduce maintenance needs and downtime, enhancing the restroom’s efficiency and functionality.
Client satisfaction: Delivering a restroom that is both stylish and practical enhances your reputation and increases client satisfaction, leading to repeat business and referrals.
Sustainability: Emphasizing eco-friendly fixtures aligns with modern sustainability goals, adding value to your services and appealing to environmentally conscious clients.
Read on for practical tips and innovative solutions to help you achieve a perfect blend of style, functionality, sustainability, and efficiency in your commercial restroom project.
The Importance of First Impressions
First impressions matter, especially for commercial restrooms. The appearance of this space can influence how people perceive the entire facility. A clean, modern, and well-maintained restroom suggests the facility values its visitors and takes pride in its upkeep. Conversely, an outdated or poorly maintained restroom can leave a negative impression, regardless of the quality of services provided elsewhere in the facility.
Designing for Aesthetic Appeal
To create a visually appealing restroom, consider integrating contemporary architectural elements. This can include sleek, minimalist designs; high-quality materials; and stylish faucet fixtures. These elements can make the space feel more inviting and comfortable for users.
Focusing specifically on aesthetically pleasing faucets, T&S Brass has captured the design elements of contemporary, modern, and classic architecture with their Crest series. Both WaveCrest sensor faucets and LakeCrest manual faucets feature sharp lines and defined planes, creating a visually striking faucet that adds contemporary sophistication to any facility.
The trend towards touchless fixtures is modern and highly practical. Sensor-operated faucets, soap dispensers, and hand dryers improve hygiene by reducing contact with surfaces. Additionally, these fixtures are often easy to maintain and can reduce water and soap wastage.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, T&S Brass’ WaveCrest line seamlessly integrates form and function. The inclusion of a hidden sensor in each faucet is a deliberate move to shift the focus from mere functionality to overall design, not only adding elegance but also serving a practical purpose. With the sensor facing down and next to the aerator, activation is more intuitive and dependable, safeguarding the sensor from potential damage caused by harsh chemicals. Additionally, T&S Brass is currently incorporating Bluetooth technology in the WaveCrest line, which will provide valuable insights and control over water usage.
If you prefer manual faucets, the single lever, single hole manual faucet in the LakeCrest line features a handle that complements the sharp edges and defined planes of the spout, allowing easy manipulation by the wrist and minimizing direct contact for improved hygiene.
Commitment to Sustainability
In modern-day facilities, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but rather a requirement. When planning a commercial restroom remodel, be sure to
prioritize sustainability to minimize environmental impact and reduce operational costs. Here are some key considerations:
Water Conservation
Look for fixtures and faucets that are designed to minimize water usage without compromising performance. Sensor-operated faucets, like those offered by T&S Brass, are an excellent choice, as they only flow when needed, reducing water wastage and human error. Additionally, consider options like low-flow toilets and urinals, which can significantly reduce water consumption over time.
Energy Efficiency
Choose fixtures and technologies that minimize energy consumption, such as LED lighting and energy-efficient hand dryers. T&S Brass’ hydrogen power option for WaveCrest models is a noteworthy example, using water flow to power the device and eliminating the need for regular battery replacements or electrical power. Similarly, the modern metering faucet in the LakeCrest manual line regulates water flow and duration without requiring electronic power, reducing energy usage.
Compliance With Standards and Regulations
Ensure the fixtures and faucets you choose comply with industry standards and regulations related to sustainability. Look for products that undergo rigorous testing to meet and exceed these standards. T&S Brass’ commitment to sustainability is reflected in its products, which are designed and tested to comply with industry regulations, ensuring optimal performance and environmental responsibility.
Principles for Success
In the process of transforming commercial restrooms, achieving the right balance between aesthetics and functionality is key. By embracing modern design principles, integrating sustainable practices, and prioritizing user experience, you can craft a restroom that resonates with everyone who steps inside. Whether you are a contractor leading a renovation project or a facility manager overseeing operations, these guiding principles can lead you to success.
For contracting companies looking to undergo a sustainable business transformation, making the sustainability shift can mean all the difference in future success. And environmental, social, and governance principles, often referred to as ESG, is a rapidly developing topic that you are likely hearing about now more than ever before.
In fact, among surveyed contractors, 52 percent said they’re requested to provide ESG data in bid documents. Yet, 78 percent of those same contractors said they’re only somewhat or not familiar at all with ESG, with 35 percent stating they’ve been asked by a potential customer to submit an ESG plan.
While ESG might seem intimidating and costly at first, it can provide huge benefits to an organization—and according to the survey, can mean the difference between business wins and losses.
ESG is a business strategy that can help contractors expand their business, foster employee loyalty, attract top talent, and enhance long-term sustainability. Some companies use terms like “corporate social responsibility” or “sustainability” to describe their responsible business priorities.
However a company defines ESG, it is pivotal in shaping the business’s purpose, values, and day-to-day operations. Many companies have already implemented core concepts of ESG.
Undergoing this type of business transformation may be easier than you think. In fact, many companies may be surprised to find out that the activities they are already doing for cost savings, customer/legal compliance, or goodwill fall squarely into the ESG space.
This includes actions like measuring health and safety, implementing employee development programs, advising on environmental products and solutions, and ensuring the proper policies—such as an employee code of conduct—are in place.
Your business may not be documenting it as an ESG practice, but by taking stock of what your company does for people and the environment, it can be simpler than expected to align with core ESG principles and learn how to advance them even further.
Learn about Sloan’s progress toward environmental stewardship, responsible governance, and social impact in its 2023 ESG report.
Why ESG Matters
Manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and others across the supply chain are being asked by owners, developers, and government entities for ESG metrics like health and safety, carbon emissions, waste recycling, minority- and women-owned business enterprise participation, and more. This information may be used to ensure that they are satisfying legal requirements or meeting their ESG goals. This is no longer a niche request, and increasing regulation may lead to these metrics being required.
Within the bidding stage, sustainability initiatives can be viewed as a long-term cost-saving tactic for the end user, often resulting in reduced operational costs over the long term. For example, while an energy-efficient building lowers energy consumption, it is also the collective design, installation, maintenance, and operation of its mechanical system that help determine true efficiency.
In terms of hiring talented team members, employees increasingly prefer working for companies that prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. In a recent Deloitte survey, 69 percent of employees said they want their companies to invest in sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon, using renewable energy, and reducing waste. This sentiment was higher among surveyed employees between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, who showed a stronger interest in sustainability initiatives than respondents from older generations.
ESG is also important from a regulatory perspective. Governments around the world are moving toward mandating companies to share more information related to environmental and social sustainability.
This includes rules like California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and new climate and human capital disclosure requirements from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission . These, along with other state and local regulations, may force large companies to report on or manage their ESG risks across their full value chain.
A detailed description of California’s new climate law is available here.
The Securities and Exchange Commission described the new disclosure requirements in this press release.
Five Steps to Start the ESG Journey
When preparing to begin your business’s path toward sustainability, the following five steps can serve as an effective guide.
Establish a foundation. First, conduct a thorough assessment of current business operations, including key ESG practices, risks, and opportunities. This information can be used to begin to inform a sustainability strategy. It will also be important to secure buy-in and support from leadership.
Conduct benchmarking and engage key stakeholders. Conduct benchmarking and a gap analysis to understand performance against your peers and others in the industry to understand how your business stands in terms of sustainability. Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and community members, to understand and validate where your business has the greatest risks and opportunities. For example, once you understand the sustainability goals of your customers and their customers, you can brainstorm ways to advise them to meet their goals, thus increasing the value you bring to the project.
Develop a strategic roadmap. When starting a roadmap, it’s important to establish ESG structure and policies. The information gained from stakeholder interviews can be used to prioritize issues relevant to your business and develop a framework that aligns with your organizations values, industry standards, and stakeholder expectations. ESG considerations can then be integrated into your business’s overall strategy, ensuring that sustainability goals align with core business objectives. It’s important to remember to develop both short- and long-term goals, targets, and key performance indicators to measure impact. When developing the roadmap, determine which new and emerging ESG-related regulations and reporting standards may be relevant to your company or its customers and plan to assure compliance and capitalize on opportunities.
Collect and share data. Begin by implementing systems and standard operating procedures for collecting relevant ESG data and monitoring current and future regulations. It’s also important to work with legal advisors to decide where and how to disclose information and establish a transparent reporting process to communicate ESG performance to key stakeholders.
Train and communicate. A plan is only as good as how well the team knows it. That’s why it’s important to provide training to employees to raise awareness and educate on ESG principles. Businesses will want to develop internal and external communications strategies and commit to continuous improvement and adapt to changes in regulations, stakeholder expectations, and industry best practices.
Sloan has embarked on its own ESG journey, publishing its first-ever ESG report last year, as it put many of those sustainability initiatives into practice by becoming the first commercial restroom manufacturer to join the International WELL Building Institute’s Works with WELL program, earning verification to The Water Council’s WAVE program, and more.
Find out more about Sloan’s partnerships with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and others here.
Installing smart products like the SC Argus™ Pro suite from SLOAN (an MCAA24 benefactor) allows facility managers to monitor and maintain products remotely, saving time. These products also reduce water usage, improve sustainability, and contribute to a healthier, more hygienic restroom environment.
By tracking vital metrics such as water usage, battery life, and alarms, SC Argus Pro helps maintenance teams better understand the overall status of their facilities while keeping restroom products operational. With two-way communication, facility managers can change settings, set hygienic line flushes, customize reports, and get a more complete understanding of faucet-to-flushometer activation ratios and average handwashing time.
The latest addition to SLOAN’s Smart Systems collection, the SC Argus Pro suite consists of smart products, data bridges, and cloud-based SC Argus software that turns collected data into insights viewed through a web browser. The system is compatible with a wide range of SLOAN smart products, including energy-efficient SOLIS® flushometers and high-traffic ETF faucets. SC Argus Pro connects with all SLOAN IoT (Internet of things) devices for easy remote management and employs the latest best practices for end-to-end customer data security.
For more information, visit www.sloan.com. MCAA thanks SLOAN for being a benefactor of MCAA24 and sponsoring the Monday lunch speaker, Kevin Brown.
Modular Portable Toilet Pods Save Costs, Water, and Worker Dignity
With help from Morris Group International® (MGI) and its AcornVac® vacuum plumbing system, Matt Davenport of Southland Industries designed portable toilets that are easy to transport and use less water than other options, saving the company money and time. Portable toilets are notorious for their unpleasantness, and Davenport, Southland’s project constructability lead, found them downright “inhumane.” MGI is a major sponsor of MCAA24.
Thinking Outside the Box
Driven by his dissatisfaction with portable toilets, Davenport set out to find a better solution for jobsite toilets during the construction of the $2.1-billion Sutter Health California Pacific Medical Center’s Van Ness Campus Hospital in San Francisco on a zero-lot line site. Initially, he envisioned ways to enhance privacy in traditional portable toilets but soon realized more was needed.
Southland collaborated with MGI AcornVac engineers and other stakeholders to design a temporary toilet system that is easier to clean, easier to move, and uses less water than typical portable toilets.
A conversation with MGI sales representative Mike Furlong led Davenport to the AcornVac. He inquired about the possibility of a temporary, pod-based solution, and coincidentally, AcornVac had recently developed a pod prototype. Davenport and AcornVac engineers collaborated to refine it, transforming his vision into reality: a clean, private privy equipped with a flushing toilet, internal lighting, a handwashing station with running water, and easy portability.
The complete portable toilet system was made up of 40 modular plug-and-play vacuum toilet cubicles that tied into the vacuum center located in the underground parking garage. A forklift could easily move the toilet cubicles, and the removable tops meant they could be transported as needed from floor to floor via the regular elevators. That eliminated the coordination necessary to use the demand lifts.
Transformation Through Teamwork
After finalizing the design, Davenport presented his idea to Sutter Health and general contractor HerreroBoldt. The project used a Lean integrated project delivery (IPD) strategy, which brings together all project stakeholders in a collaborative effort. Davenport believes this collaborative approach was crucial to the success of his proposal.
“I had the positive support from the core group,” Davenport explained. “With that support, my mind was free to think. But with that support comes great responsibility; you don’t want to disappoint the team. It’s a double-edged sword.”
Davenport’s AcornVac system was ultimately accepted, and he credited the IPD process for fostering the open communication and collaboration that made it possible.
In addition to improved convenience, Davenport pointed out the environmental benefits of the AcornVac system. With a flush using just under a half-gallon of water and no risk of leaks due to vacuum pressure, these units are far more sustainable than portable options.
“This is going to be a hospital,” Davenport noted, “and those blue portable rooms often leak what I’d consider toxic material. That can’t be good.” He says cost and water savings are just bonuses: “It’s about treating people humanely.”
Sutter Health recognized the value right away. By adopting the innovative system, they lived up to their commitment to supporting workers. It transformed an otherwise unpleasant necessity into something elevating.
The client even sourced bathroom attendants from a neighborhood cleaning company to maintain cleanliness. The results spoke for themselves: workers appreciated the new units, and after three years, not one toilet suffered vandalism or damage.
Building on Success
Given the success, Davenport now wants to take the concept further. For his next high-rise project, he plans to add fans to the pods for airflow and water bottle fillers from Murdock® Manufacturing (an MGI brand) for hydration.
The fact that MGI supports the modular building trend attracted Davenport to its brands and products. Though initially nervous about the vacuum components, hands-on guidance gave him confidence: “The AcornVac engineers were with us every step, even after setup. That support means I’ll definitely do this again.”
Davenport said it could make sense for general contractors or large mechanical firms like Southland to purchase the pods and then move them from site to site because they are so modular and movable. That way, sites could have flushing toilets and working handwashing stations from the start of construction, then add to the system as the project ramps up.
“The AcornVac engineers were with us every step, even after setup. That support means I’ll definitely do this again.”
The success of the AcornVac bathroom pod system shows the power of collaboration and thinking outside the blue box. Davenport was driven by the vision of providing workers with facilities that treated them with basic dignity. He turned this vision into reality by working with stakeholders, engineers, and an open-minded client.
Now, the modular pods have become a blueprint—both for Davenport’s future projects and for construction firms aiming to embed quality sanitation systems right from the start. Most importantly, the transformation has had a simple but profound impact, offering essential facilities that make workers feel valued rather than miserable. When creative solutions tap into that kind of positive potential, everyone wins.
For more information, visit www.morrisgroupint.com. MCAA thanks Morris Group International for being a major sponsor of MCAA24 and providing convention lanyards.
On-the-job safety hazards are a constant risk for mechanical contractors, with some of the most frequently reported injuries coming from routinely used tools and equipment. A few simple precautions can go a long way toward helping maintain health.
Start with the Basics
Ensure protection on the most basic level by investing in quality essential safety equipment, including safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves. Avoid the temptation to skip using them from time to time to get more done. The few minutes it takes to protect yourself can be the difference between remaining healthy and being injured on the job.
Take Care on Stairs and Ladders
Injuries are common on stairs and ladders. When using a ladder, remember to always keep three points of contact—either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on the ladder. When a ladder is leaned against a wall, the bottom of the ladder should be one quarter of the ladder’s working length away from the wall, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
On the stairs, consider using a motorized stair-climbing hand truck to make lighter work of carrying equipment up and down the stairs, and remember to use the handrail. Keep your hands free on both ladders and stairs by carrying tools in a tool belt.
Invest in Ergonomic Tools
Innovative design has resulted in lighter tools with better ergonomics. These upgrades address long-term safety with repetitive tasks, which can determine whether a professional will stay on the job or be sidelined by injury. Repetitive motions over prolonged periods of time can often cause irritation and inflammation of the tendon sheath of the hands and arms, a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
The latest tools now reduce or eliminate the need for repetitive motions, resulting in less strain on the body and decreasing the likelihood of injury. For example, the RIDGID RP 350 Press Tool has an enhanced pistol grip design that shifts the tool weight forward above the hand for all-day comfort and maximum control; the RP 115 is the smallest, lightest hydraulic press tool on the market, allowing you to get in tight spaces with ease.
Minimize Repetitive Tasks
Along with enhanced ergonomics, advances in technology are eliminating some aspects of manual labor. Invest in tools and equipment that let you minimize manual or repetitive tasks. For example, the Greenlee Shear 30T Shearing Station’s retaining spring arm automatically brings dies back into the starting position for the next cut. Its material rest keeps material perpendicular for clean cuts, eliminating the tasks of resetting the die and holding the material during a cut. Small tasks like these, done by hand and repeated over time, can lead to body strain and injury.
Proper Form Is Essential
Even with ergonomic advances in tools, proper form is essential to prevent unnecessary strain on the body. When using a new tool, take the time to learn the proper form. Read the instruction manual, watch how experienced users handle the tool, and look for videos online that share best practices. Understanding proper use and form can also help to save time.
Every job has the potential for injury, but following basic safety guidelines, investing in a few tools to make lighter work of everyday tasks, and using common sense will help keep injury to a minimum and keep professionals healthy and able to stay in their careers longer.
Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Explains Functions and Advantages
Siphonic drain systems are not well understood in the United States, but they allow for greater flexibility in design, are far more efficient than a traditional drainage system, and often save money in labor and materials. Siphonic drainage is not new. It has been used since the early 1970s, and in Europe it is considered the norm. Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. is the first American company to design, manufacture, and market a siphonic roof drain. Still, many plumbing engineers rarely consider siphonic systems for buildings in the United States.
Understanding Siphonic Systems
Most people are familiar with the principle of the siphon. A siphon is created by placing one end of a flexible tube into a container filled with fluid—say, a car’s gasoline tank. The other end of the tube goes into a container placed at a point lower than the first. Once you start the flow of fluid, usually by suction, gravity takes over and continues to draw the fluid through the tube. If air does not enter the tube or the tank does not run dry, the liquid will continue to move from the tank into the container. The greater the elevation difference between the inlet and outlet of the tube, the faster the fluid will flow. This effect is known as a siphon.
This same principle can be applied to a roof draining system. However, with a roof, because the piping only drops downward, the priming process occurs naturally, with no suction needed to initiate it. The priming starts at the drain itself. A unique air baffle inhibits the addition of air into the piping system and stops the vortex, producing a more linear flow. Smith drains, combined with a properly designed siphonic system, will completely fill up, or prime, with the water and initiate a siphonic flow within as little as 15 seconds.
Traditional Drainage Systems
How exactly are a traditional system and a siphonic system different? A conventional drainage system is an open system, meaning air is always present, and there is little if any pressure change throughout the entire system. As a result, the pipe is usually only half full of water. Even during periods of heavy rainfall, the rest of the pipe is full of air. This results in a channel flow, much like a trench drain.
Horizontal flow in a traditional system is induced by sloping or pitching the horizontal pipe downward, usually at 1/8” per foot at minimum. The capacity of a conventional drainage system is limited by drain size and the depth of the water buildup or head pressure on the roof. A traditional system often requires several vertical drops, which generally run together under the building’s foundation and connect with the storm drainage system. While this traditional system is prevalent in the United States, it is the least efficient form of storm drainage.
Because siphonic drainage systems with Smith drains can use smaller piping to move the same amount of water, they can cost as much as 50 percent less than traditional drainage systems.
Benefits of Siphonic Systems
A siphonic system is a closed system, meaning that the airflow is shut off by the air baffle, causing the piping system to completely fill with water and fully use gravity in the vertical drop. When the piping system primes, it depressurizes, meaning the water pressure through the system is reduced because of gravity on the vertical drops. In this setting, atmospheric pressure pushes the water into the drains with a force of 14.7 pounds per square foot. The capacity of the siphonic system is determined by the piping system itself and the height of the roof drain above the point of discharge.
Because the piping primes and operates when 100-percent full, or full bore, the same amount of water can be carried off the roof through smaller piping at higher velocity. This can reduce the cost of the piping system by up to 50 percent compared with a traditional system.
A siphonic system offers greater flexibility in design and an easier installation than a traditional system, because flow velocity is independent of the pipe orientation, so the pipes can be laid flat. The ability to run the piping flat also means it can be easily installed in a ceiling, reducing or eliminating trenching and excavation underneath the slab. Finally, higher velocities nearly 100 times that of a traditional system mean that a siphonic system is also self-cleaning, reducing the need for maintenance.
Most buildings or structures can benefit from siphonic roof drainage, but siphonic systems are especially ideal for buildings with large footprints, such as airport terminals, aircraft hangars, covered malls, office complexes, factories, convention centers, warehouses, train stations, retail stores, and distribution centers. The only situation that is not ideal for a siphonic system is a building with divided roofs, or cricket systems, with multiple peaks and valleys. In this instance, the system can be more challenging to balance, and overflow systems are usually more complicated.
Jay R. Smith’s siphonic drains meet or exceed the performance requirements of ASME A112.6.9, and they are UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) approved. When used with a rainwater harvesting system, these drains can help achieve LEED certification through innovative design, reduction of materials, reduced site disturbance, reduced runoff, and reduced water consumption.
Academic Researchers, Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Offer Expert Advice and Solutions
Because of shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, many buildings have been sitting empty for months. Those vacancies mean fixtures and drains are being used infrequently, if at all, which could lead to severe problems.
Many of these issues, such as sewer gas emissions and water stagnation problems, are familiar but have never happened on such a large scale. The fact that many buildings have been closed up for months has much more significant implications than just one structure here and there. There is little consensus on how to handle this novel situation.
Researchers Offer Recommendations
Researchers and engineers at Purdue University studied this issue and recently published a report, Considerations for Large Building Water Quality and Extended Stagnation, that can offer a bit of guidance.
Where there is prolonged water stagnation, one issue of particular concern is the growth of Legionella bacteria that can cause disease. Many buildings have experienced problems with stagnation after just hours or days of being closed. The widespread effects of weeks to months of stagnation is unknown.
The presence of other microbes should also be considered. Most cities add a disinfectant to potable water to eliminate the problem. However, those disinfectants’ residual stability dissipates rapidly over time. In fact, the Purdue paper stated that decay occurs at a stagnant tap more than 140 times faster than in the corresponding municipal water. It also pointed out that the rate could be even faster in “green” buildings designed for low water use. Pipes holding stagnant water also experience more corrosion because of the decreased effectiveness of corrosion control over long periods.
The Purdue paper recommended periodic flushing, but even that is not without drawbacks. There are over 5.6 million commercial buildings in the United States. Imagine the stress a dozen or so large buildings could put on municipal water and sewerage departments. Therefore, Purdue researchers recommended drawing up a recommissioning plan and reviewing it with local authorities and health departments.
The safety of workers must also be considered. Flushing can release high concentrations of chemical and microbiological contaminants. The Purdue researchers recommended screening workers for preexisting conditions that may make them particularly vulnerable to contaminants and issuing the proper personal protective equipment to avoid exposure.
Quick Fix for Emissions
When buildings are closed for weeks or months, sewer gas emissions are a concern. Insert Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.’s Quad Close Trap Seal into a drain’s strainer throat, and sewer gases are sealed off.
Fortunately, sewer gas emissions are easier to address. For this problem, Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® has an easy and affordable fix that takes just a minute or two to implement. No special tools are required, and this fix comes with a ten-year warranty. Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® is an MCAA major sponsor.
The labor-saving “Stink Stopper” Quad Close® Trap Seal Device automatically closes to minimize evaporation in floor drains and opens to allow water in. The Stink Stopper is made from a chemically resistant elastomer and is available in several sizes guaranteed to fit almost any drain.
You simply pop the Quad Close Trap Seal into the drain’s strainer throat, and sewer gases are sealed off. Installation is usually a one-step process. However, in the current situation, where buildings have been vacant for weeks, priming the floor drain trap with water after installing the device is recommended.
Installing Quad Close Trap Seals is also an excellent preventive measure for buildings that have already opened. No one could have predicted the shutdown of so many buildings, and it is unlikely that anyone can predict what we might face in the future. Taking simple steps now could prevent potential problems.
For more information, visit www.jrsmith.com. MCAA thanks Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® for being an MCAA major sponsor.
Thanks to Sloan’s integrated lineup of touch-free commercial plumbing systems, Chicago’s new Fulton East office and retail building is the nation’s first office building designed specifically to address employee health, safety, and wellness in the post-COVID-19 environment.
The 90,000-square-foot building located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District includes a number of leading-edge products. In addition to Sloan touch-free solar-powered faucets, soap dispensers, flushometers, and SloanTec® Hydrophobic Glaze for vitreous china fixtures, Fulton East is the world’s first new construction building to be equipped with Mad Elevator Inc.’s Toe-To-Go hands-free elevator system. Fulton East is also the first multistory office building to employ airPHX, nonthermal plasma technology throughout the entire building to help reduce cross-contamination risks and provide employees with cleaner air and work surfaces.
“Sloan is proud to support the next generation of commercial buildings as our society makes personal wellness a top priority,” said Jim Allen, Sloan co-president and CEO. “It is our responsibility to develop hygiene-friendly products that provide people with a sense of safety when they enter the restroom, and it was a privilege to be a part of this project in our backyard of Chicago.”
The project specified Sloan’s vitreous china Designer Urinal and wall-mounted water closet, each paired with a Sloan SOLIS® solar-powered and sensor-operated flushometer to deliver an energy-efficient and clean flush complemented by touch-free technology.
Sloan’s vitreous china undermount lavatory with Optima® solar-powered deck-mounted faucets and matching soap dispenser provide a hygienic handwashing solution. Each Sloan vitreous china fixture features SloanTec Hydrophobic Glaze, a proprietary water-repellant glaze that inhibits the growth of germs and bacteria to make the fixtures easier to clean.
Sloan’s touch-free faucets and matching soap dispensers provide a hygiene-friendly handwashing experience in the new Fulton East office building.
The building also includes a comprehensive set of other health, safety, and wellness enhancements, such as touch-free thermal scanning at the lobby security desk, continuous floor-to-ceiling low-E glass to provide the maximum amount of light into the building, and much more. All restrooms were constructed with one additional fixture than required by Chicago city code to help enhance social distancing measures.
“We have made a major investment of time and capital to bring Fulton East to market as a next-generation office building that prioritizes health, safety, and wellness for our tenants’ employees in a coordinated and comprehensive way,” said Bob Wislow, chairman and CEO of Parkside Realty, Inc., the developer of Fulton East. “We believe this is extremely important today, as employees and their families are deeply concerned about safety and well-being in the workplace environment.”
As the coronavirus pandemic flared up around the country, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rapidly built alternative care facilities to alleviate strain on local hospitals—and MCAA member contractors and manufacturer/supplier partners were there to help. In Chicago, Ferguson, Bradford White, Laars, and Sloan all provided needed materials in record time, and Helm Group (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) was among those working on the ground nonstop as the HVAC and plumbing contractor for the job. Ferguson; LAARS, a Bradford White Company; and SLOAN are all benefactor sponsors.
While most of the Army Corps facilities were designed to handle non-COVID-19 patients, Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center was planned to care for up to 3,000 people with mild or moderate coronavirus infection, freeing up hospital beds for more severe cases. Patients would be separated in the convention center halls by the level of care they required, spread throughout the facility’s 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Construction for the first 500 beds was completed April 3. (As the pandemic spread, the project was scaled back to 1,000 beds, because the state lockdown “flattened the curve”—or slowed the pace of infection—and area hospitals were able to keep up with the cases.)
Plumbing Industry Responds
As construction got underway, a plumbing contractor reached out to Ferguson Enterprises for help sourcing 17 Bradford White, 120-gallon, 54 kW, 208-volt water heaters and five LAARS Heating Systems 200-gallon jacketed and insulated vertical storage tanks to generate and store sufficient hot water for the facility. The first treatment area, with 500 beds, needed water heaters and a storage tank for the staff showers and another heater for showers that met Americans with Disabilities Act standards—all within four days.
“We didn’t know what to expect, when we got the call to help on the COVID-19 Care Center project at McCormick Place,” said Jim Kuenn, director of commercial—Central Midwest, Ferguson Enterprises. “We got involved midday on March 31 and needed to turn around a huge amount of product in just a few days. We reviewed the mechanical schedule and specifications provided to us. It was a daunting task that most of our associates had not seen before. We said ‘yes’ because we wanted to not only help our customer but also the community during this time of need.”
While the factory could not supply the heaters in the timeframe required, one of Bradford White’s consigned inventory warehouses in Atlanta, GA, had a sufficient number in stock. The heaters were delivered within 17 hours of ordering. The plumbing contractor and sales representatives credit their long history and experience with Bradford White, along with a vast local and national distribution network, as crucial to overcoming the logistical challenges.
In addition to the water heaters themselves, conversion kits were flown by next-day air from Bradford White’s Middleville, MI, manufacturing facility.
A Team Effort
Those on the scene were impressed to see representatives from every trade working side by side with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and construction managers coordinating efforts. They would gather together throughout the day to reassess, resulting in constant coordination with FEMA.
“It was impressive to see everyone working together to get this project done quickly,” said Brian Helm, Helm Group (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) CEO and MCAA president. “You need to remember that this was the earliest stages of COVID-19 in the U.S., when we really didn’t know how the virus spread and what the mortality rate was. The trades saw it as their mission to get this facility built, and that’s exactly what they did.”
Helm Group (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) rapidly installed ductwork for the Chicago field hospital, recognizing that good ventilation is key to protecting against transmission of COVID-19.
Helm pointed out that the 500 people working in the space had to remember to stay at least 6′ apart at all times. “The biggest challenge was that all the trades were learning how to do their jobs while staying apart,” noted Helm. “For people’s entire careers, it was always the opposite—help someone out, watch out for the other guy, lift with a buddy, etc.”
As each stage of work was completed, FEMA required testing to make sure that everything worked, so the contractors coordinated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and others. Challenges arose, but the plumbing crews succeeded in providing enough hot water to service 3,000 beds. Some described themselves as proud to be able to respond during a time of crisis and noted that plumbing is essential to public health.
Ferguson Enterprises, Bradford White, Laars, and Sloan all provided needed materials in record time to contractors like Helm Group (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) to stand up a field hospital in Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center in just 4 days. Photo courtesy of Ferguson.
“The Ferguson team in Chicago stepped up to the challenge, rolled up their sleeves, and worked 24/7 to make it happen,” Kuenn stated. The tight deadlines were met because, Kuenn said, “everyone—from contractors like Helm Group (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) to various vendors—found a way to say ‘yes.’ I get prideful chills from what was accomplished.”
Bradford White supplied water heaters for several major field hospitals, including Javits Convention Center in New York City and McCormick Place, according to Mark Taylor, executive vice president and general manager at Bradford White.
“We are extremely proud of the work being done by our reps, as well as our wholesaler and contractor customers, who are making sure that medical facilities have the hot water they need to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Taylor. “Hot water is critical for cleaning, sanitizing, and hygienic purposes, and it’s important for us to do our part to support the health care workers on the front lines.
“In Michigan, where our water heaters are produced, we reached out to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and offered to provide products for any temporary field hospitals in the state of Michigan that need water heaters to help address the pandemic. Michigan is one of the states hit particularly hard by COVID-19,” Taylor noted.
Todd Young, vice president of commercial, Ferguson Enterprises, noted the crisis has undoubtedly changed the way everyone lives and works. “We’ve implemented new processes in order to help our customers and communities during this time,” he said.
“To support local hospitals and pop-up facilities across the country, we’ve organized a new response and product procurement system to handle the many inquiries coming in—because it’s the right thing to do,” Young explained. “From delivering jobsite trailers and emergency water heaters to providing products for field hospitals at facilities like CenturyLink Field and Sleep Train Arena, we’re working with a variety of essential businesses in different industries to help our communities push forward … and we’re happy to do it.”
Hygiene Is High Priority
Sloan provided touch-free commercial restroom products to the McCormick Place convention center to facilitate hygiene-friendly handwashing without the risk of cross-contamination.
Sloan also joined the effort, providing its touch-free commercial restroom products to the McCormick Place convention center to facilitate hygiene-friendly handwashing without the risk of cross-contamination.
“At Sloan, we understand that the touch-free products we manufacture across the entire commercial restroom play an essential role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Graham Allen, Sloan co-president and CEO. “We are proud to support those in our backyard of Chicago … and anyone in need across the country, and we will continue to do everything in our power to supply sensor-operated products.”
Plumbing requirements at McCormick Place called for over 200 Sloan sensor faucets in handwashing stations, and Sloan partnered with local suppliers to deliver these hygiene-friendly solutions.
Sloan Outfits Yale Gym with Touch-Free Fixtures
In New Haven, CT, Yale’s Payne Whitney Gym was also converted to a temporary field hospital and needed to retrofit its existing manual faucets and flushometers to provide a more sanitary environment for the influx of patients. The facility removed its existing faucets and replaced them with Sloan sensor-operated faucets, while also installing new Sloan sensor flushometers to provide a touch-free experience.
To upgrade four restrooms for PHC—Waterford Clinic, J.M. Brennan, Inc. installed Zurn’s new universal lavatory carriers, saving time and material “without sacrificing support,” said Justin Sherman, J.M. Brennan project manager. The Zurn Z1231EZ Universal Lavatory Carrier is designed to simplify installation. It includes arms that can be adjusted in the field, an independent bracket system that positions horizontally or vertically, and two foot-anchors per upright, instead of four—ultimately saving material, time, and tool wear. Zurn is a sponsor of MCAA’s 2021 Virtual Education Conference.
J.M. Brennan saved time during installation with the Z1231EZ Universal Lavatory Carrier, which uses two foot-anchors per upright instead of four.
All of these features seemed like they would offer J.M. Brennan a leg up, but only execution would determine whether the carriers had the strength to hold up in the installation. The health care facility project included four carrier upgrades.
“We work with Zurn products often. Even though the carrier is new, we knew what to expect,” said Sherman.
Sherman continued, “I was skeptical of the two anchors replacing the four, along with the fewer floor penetrations. But Zurn did the 250-pound load testing and if they back only two bolts, I’m fine with it.”
By Mark Lawinger, Senior Product Line Manager for Flushometers and Fixtures, Sloan
You have probably heard about “the five Ps:” Proper planning prevents poor performance. This concept is particularly important when embarking on a commercial retrofit project to reduce water consumption.
With no water following the liquid waste, drain lines are subject to the buildup of struvite.
Whether it is to gain LEED points, meet regulatory requirements, save on utility costs, or contribute to a larger green initiative, there are multiple benefits to upgrading outdated plumbing fittings and fixtures. Thanks to advancements in commercial plumbing technology today’s commercial restrooms use only a fraction of the water compared with systems from decades past.
It can be tempting to simply specify new high-efficiency equipment, calculate the gallons saved per fixture, count the fixtures, and multiply to get the expected water savings. In a perfect world, that is all that would be needed to get started. But a lack of planning can cause problems. The best way to avoid unexpected results is to thoroughly investigate the existing plumbing system before specifying any components or making calculations.
Unlike new construction, with a retrofit project, the contractor does not have every detail of the plumbing system meticulously documented in the mechanical plans. Retrofit projects mean installing new equipment with different specifications into existing—and often unknown—conditions, both upstream and downstream from the fittings and fixtures. It is important to talk to the people who know the system, such as building owners, facility managers, and maintenance personnel—anyone who knows the history of the building’s plumbing.
Step 1: Conduct the Assessment
Conducting a thorough assessment means inspecting the plumbing system and measuring as many performance variables as possible. Information should be gathered from three key areas: upstream, downstream, and at fixtures and valves.
Upstream
Pressure (static, dynamic, pressure over time)—Static pressure readings are a good starting point, but they are not the “tell-all” for the health of a system. Static pressure, working pressure, and recovery (the time for the system pressure to return to the static readings) are vital to determining a system’s response and capacity. Very high static readings (above 80 psi) can be a warning sign, pointing to failing pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) or, much more concerning, a volume or capacity problem.
Piping diameter—It would seem logical that by taking thefixtures from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to 1.28 gpf, the demand on a water supply system would be reduced. However, the opposite is true: The same amount of waste must be evacuated through a new fixture with half the water volume—in many instances, a smaller water spot and trapway.
Plumbing layout and number of fixtures being fed by each line—Is the building plumbed correctly with main lines? Are all branch lines sized correctly to meet the demands of the fixture counts?
Past history of building expansion—Have there been additions to the building’s footprint without increasing the water supply system capacity?
Water quality—Water quality is an often overlooked factor in water savings analysis. In piston valves, high amounts of sediment or sand shorten the life by wearing down the lip seal. This results in a shorter flush cycle, making it necessary to flush twice to clear the bowl. Diaphragms with unprotected bypass holes may experience run-ons if the sediment clogs the bypass, or they may develop much greater flush volumes if the bypass is partially blocked.
Fixtures and Valves
Document the manufacturer and model number of all the equipment to be replaced and assess the age and condition of the equipment. Gather the following information:
Flush volume rating
Any signs of leaking from fitting or fixture
Last maintenance or maintenance schedule
Downstream
Depending on the age of the system, the original waste line carry calculations were probably based on 4.5 gpf. Through attrition, the original fixtures may have been replaced to 3.5 gpf or 1.6 gpf. Further reducing the water to 1.28 gpf could result in downstream problems. Here are some red flags:
Problem or chronic line blockages or toilet backups
Poor pipe conditions, including corrosion, leaks, and cracks
Long horizontal waste line runs
Improper waste line slope
Signs posted in restrooms warning what not to flush down fixtures
Step 2: Determine the Feasible Options
Previously, water closets used up to five gallons in 90 seconds to flush and transport waste down the waste line. Now, 1.6 gallons is used in 20 seconds.
Once the assessment is complete, a more accurate picture of the available (and practical) options for the retrofit can be determined. Depending on the number of red flags raised, the scope of the project may need to be adjusted, taking into account the expected cost and anticipated water savings for each option. Possible upgrade options include the following:
Minor upgrade: Change out diaphragm kits.
Intermediate upgrade: Change out flushometers.
Moderate upgrade: Change out flushometers and fixtures.
Major upgrade: Change out the entire plumbing system.
Step 3: Prepare the Estimate
With the assessment complete, the most appropriate option can be selected and quoted to the customer. Then, it is time to start procuring materials.
Step 4: Test the Solution
Testing the planned savings strategy on one or two fixtures or restrooms before converting the entire building can provide valuable insights into the expected performance of the system. Be sure to test the most extreme cases first (i.e., fixtures farthest from the water supply or situations with the greatest demand).
Step 5: Expand the Upgrade to the Entire Building
If the test installation performs as expected, go forward with the project.
Commercial water savings projects are not only financially smart, they are environmentally responsible—and in some municipalities, legally mandated. Today’s technology can help achieve real and meaningful savings, but the reduced water volume can have unintended consequences if the plumbing system is not capable of adapting to the lower flow. With foresight and planning, risks can be avoided and water savings goals achieved.
When Bayer’s Plumbing of Newburgh, IN, needed a modern grease interceptor solution for a local deli, they turned to MIFAB for a product that cost less and was much easier to install than traditional riser systems, according to Matt Pry, project manager. Because local regulators had been approving poly hydromechanical tanks, Bayer’s Plumbing proposed a MIFAB high density polyethylene (HDPE) interceptor for the long-time local dining staple EMGE Deli in Evansville, IN, winning the job.
Pry said that the MIFAB BIG-MAX 750 (75-gpm HPDE hydromechanical interceptor) product was the perfect fit. “It is a good product, well-built, with a better-than-competitive price point. The generic corrugated riser pipe really is what put it head-and-shoulders above its competitors in this space.”
Making the Move to HDPE
When MIFAB opened its doors in 1982, they had two products: access doors and interceptors. Today, interceptors are still a major part of the more than 14-division MIFAB brand. In 2010, MIFAB began getting requests for HDPE interceptors. After some research, MIFAB saw that HDPE made up a very small but rapidly growing share of the market, so they made the leap to HDPE. Today, MIFAB has the largest selection of plastic grease and specialty interceptors in the U.S. plumbing market. The fast growth of the market can be attributed to contractor demands for products that are easier to install and foresight by local jurisdictions seeking to protect the environment and their sewer systems.
With concrete and steel interceptors, it is not a question of if these units will fail but when. Steel units have an average life expectancy of seven years, and concrete units have an average life expectancy of 12 years because of the corrosive effects of the acid in the waste. MIFAB’s HDPE grease interceptors have a lifetime warranty, and they ensure that the waste will not be going into the ground or passing into sewer systems, where it can have a very detrimental effect.
Speedy Separation
The key to a grease interceptor functioning properly is separation speed and capacity. Gravity-fed interceptors use time-based separation, and it takes a lot of time for the grease to separate and float to the top of the tank. Hydromechanical units are flow-based, which means they use a flow control device at the inlet to slow the grease-laden material down so that it separates very quickly upon entering the tank.
Gravity-fed tanks must be pumped out when they are only a quarter full. After that point, the unit will start passing grease into the sewer system—a huge problem that can result in large fines for the owner. With hydromechanical systems, the unit can almost be full and still have excellent separation. Effectively, a smaller hydromechanical unit has more capacity than a gravity unit. As a result, the designer and the contractor do not need more space to install the larger tanks.
Easier Installation
Steel units can be difficult to handle and can easily cause cuts to the hands. Inevitably, the seal on the interceptor will fail, which allows waste and odors to escape into the kitchen, resulting in a call back to the installing contractor.
Concrete tanks pose even bigger coordination issues. The contractor may need to rent a crane or schedule—down to the hour—when the boom truck will arrive. If the hole for the tank is not properly prepared, the truck will leave but still charge for the time. A typical 1,500-gallon concrete unit can weigh up to 15,000 pounds. On the other hand, a 1,500-gallon HDPE unit will only weigh around 1,500 pounds. These plastic units can be stored above ground on the jobsite and moved around easily with a fork truck or forklift.
Finally, manhole risers have always been an issue, because the contractor will generally not know the finished grade until the end of the project. At that point, the contractor must order custom-height risers that are expensive and require a long lead time to produce. MIFAB has a patented riser system that uses generic corrugated plastic pipe that can be cut to fit. The pipe is inexpensive and readily accessible from your local plumbing wholesaler.
Wieland Chase Explains Processes Leading to Improved Dezincification-Resistance
By Larry Muller, Senior Technical Advisor, Wieland Chase, LLC
Some technical papers and websites on brass corrosion repeat the same caution that dezincification will occur in alloys containing more than 15-percent zinc. A few will go beyond that simple statement to talk about efforts to solve this issue. The 15-percent zinc limit is generally the only thing that stays in the readers’ mind if they are trying to design a part that is in an environment that could lead to dezincification.
Reading this was a surprise to me after spending 28-plus years as a metallurgist working with a variety of copper and brass alloys. After all, our industry had sold billions of pounds of C36000, a 35+-percent zinc-leaded brass, to the potable water industry without corrosion problems outside of installation or grounding issues. If 15-percent zinc was the dividing line between a suitable brass for corrosion resistance and one prone to failure, where were the complaints, and why did the plumbing industry continue to use it?
The reason behind this 15-percent zinc content concern is lost to history. Older technical papers don’t provide a trail to the problems that caused someone to establish 15-percent zinc as an upper limit. It just gets repeated in formal and informal articles and papers on corrosion of brass without any attribution or investigation. The problem is that “15-percent zinc” isn’t the full story.
The history of brass used in water applications for the last 100 years shows that brass alloys with up to and over 35-percent zinc have been used successfully to the tune of multiple billions of parts in the United States and Europe. It didn’t happen without some effort, but it did happen, as the following examples show:
The problem of dezincification in 70-percent copper/30-percent zinc brass tubes in steam-powered navy ship condensers was solved through an addition of an alloying element corrosion inhibitor (1).
The problem of severe dezincification in potable water fittings was solved in Europe in 1980 with the introduction of a brass (CZ132/CW602N) using a high temperature anneal and addition of an alloying element corrosion inhibitor to leaded brass containing 36 percent zinc (2).
In the United States, alloys C36000 and C37700 with about 36 percent and 39 percent zinc, respectively, were used successfully for decades without significant issues with dezincification.
New lead-free brasses have been developed and commercialized with zinc contents greater than 15 percent, some using the single or double approach of alloying element and thermal processing to be dezincification-resistant.
Development of Dezincification-Resistant Brasses With Greater Than 15-Percent Zinc
It’s obvious then that brasses with zinc greater than 15 percent show no dezincification problems when using the metallurgical advancements of the last 100 years. The following provides explanations and data on what tools are used to make those brass alloys dezincification-resistant, what is meant by dezincification-resistant, and the tests that indicate they will provide long, functional lives.
What Does Dezincification-Resistant Mean and How Is It Tested?
The old 15-percent zinc claim that brass “suffers dezincification” is vague. A brass part with zinc levels below 15 percent can show small levels of dezincification according to some published studies, and those with up to 35 percent can show no dezincification. Because the problem can affect alloys with up to 15-percent zinc, obviously some dezincification was considered acceptable. Recently, the brass world changed with the requirement to eliminate the use of leaded brass in potable water fittings (3, 4) and some high-profile PEX fitting dezincification failures in the Las Vegas area (5, 6). It became necessary to: 1) develop new lead-free alloys; 2) to define what “dezincification-resistant” meant quantitatively (7–11); and 3) have tests that would provide guidance on how long a part can be expected to last.
According to the various standards referenced in Table 1, a brass is considered dezincification resistant if it meets the requirements of the standards shown. There are other tests (Turner, Brandl) but the ISO6509 test has been the international standard since 1981. Independent studies (12–14) have shown this test successfully predicts long-term (greater than 30 years in corrosive drinking water) performance. An important point here is that this laboratory test uses extremely harsh conditions to accelerate the potential for corrosion that will take years or decades to develop.
What Metallurgical Tools Are Used to Make Alloys Meet the “Dezincification-Resistant” Requirements?
There are three primary tools that make brass dezincification-resistant according to current requirements.
Minor alloying additions (0.20 percent maximum): Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Phosphorus (P). These are the alloying element additions that have been researched and put into production over the last 100 years. There’s enough laboratory and real-life performance data to show that they are effective in preventing dezincification in brasses with zinc contents up to 36 percent (Figure 1). Above 36-percent zinc, neither these nor the major alloying elements shown can fully protect the brass because of a zinc-rich phase (beta phase) that forms during processing.
Major alloying additions (>0.25 percent): Nickel (Ni), Tin (Sn), Aluminum (Al). These alloying element additions have been in use longer than the minor alloying additions mentioned above. They are just as effective as the minor additions but have the same limitations of not being able to protect brasses with greater than 36-percent zinc because of the beta phase vulnerability to dezincification.
Thermal treatments such as high temperature annealing or forging. This method reduces or eliminates the beta phase in higher zinc brasses. By converting beta phase to alpha phase, it can now be protected by the minor or major alloying additions. The precaution here is that the cooling rate after these thermal treatments has to be slow enough to prevent beta phase from reforming. Fortunately, that process is well understood by the brass mills performing the operation.
What Data Show How These Metallurgical Techniques Improve Dezincification Resistance?
Figures 1, 2, and 3 show ISO6509 test results from an independent laboratory. Figure 1 shows the range of results from having no special metallurgical protection to alloying plus thermal treatments on alloys from 5-percent zinc to 42-percent zinc. At some point above 36-percent zinc, beta phase begins to form increasing amounts, so nothing can protect it as discussed above (Note: All test results are from Corrosion Testing Laboratories, Newark DE).
In Figure 2, you can see that the use of the two methods of the minor alloying addition and thermal treatment combine to improve dezincification resistance. However, they can only do so much before the beta phase problem negates their beneficial effects.
Figure 3 shows ISO6509 results for alloys with or without phosphorus and no thermal heat treatments. Except for the 21-percent zinc alloy, there’s a large fluctuation in results until the phosphorus addition is made.
Improving Dezincification-Resistance
The data and information above show:
the use of dezincification resistance alloying elements are an effective way to significantly improve dezincification resistance in brass with greater than 15-percent zinc;
publications provide evidence that theses metallurgical technologies have been in use in production brass alloys for up to 100 years;
any shortcomings of metallurgically advanced brasses with greater than 15-percent zinc would have been revealed by now; and
this metallurgical technology has been replicated successfully among a number of “new” brasses commercialized to meet the 2014 national low lead requirement.
American National Standards Institute. (2019). Plastics piping system components and related materials (NSF/ANSI 14–2019).
ISO. (2017). Corrosion of metals and alloys. Determination of dezincification resistance of copper alloys with zinc—Part 2: Assessment criteria (ISO6509-2: 2017).
UL. (2001). Automatic Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service (UL199).
Australian Standard. (2006; reconfirmed 2016). Dezincification resistance of copper alloys (AS 2345-2006).
German Institute for Standardization-European Standards. (2016). Copper and copper alloys: rod for free machining purposes (DIN EN 12164: 2016-11). doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.31030/2535041
Holm, R., Sundberg, R., & Mattson, E. (1982). Experiences with brass components for water installations in Sweden. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Corrosion of Copper and Copper alloys in Building, Tokyo, Japan, 230–238.
Johnson. (1977, August). Evaluation of rapid tests for dezincification-resistant brass. BNF Metals Technology Center Research Report No. A 1921.
For decades, engineers have relied on a formula dating from 1940 to estimate peak water demand, a key factor in specifying the smallest pipe size that will provide sufficient water pressure for every fixture in a building to function normally. Sloan’s chief scientist, Kay Herbert, Ph.D., has developed a new formula that yields more accurate water demand estimates— which can save costs, reduce water use, and prevent bacteria growth. (Sloan is a benefactor of MCAA22.) The new formula is ideal for modern engineers grappling with green technology, touch-free fixtures, and hygiene concerns in the post-COVID-19 era.
Why Estimating Water Demand is So Important—and So Difficult
Pipes that are too large increase cost unnecessarily and can collect excess water that may breed pathogens. Pipes that are too small do not allow enough water volume for fixtures to operate properly under peak demand. Engineers are charged with specifying the right sized pipes—not just for the main building intake, but for every pipe in the building. That specification depends on an accurate estimate of peak water demand—the maximum average load on the system in one hour.
If a building only had one fixture, estimating peak water demand would be easy. But estimation is complicated:
Even small buildings have several faucets and flushometers, and large buildings can have thousands of them.
Faucets and flushometers do not run continuously—only when people use them.
The number of people in the building may vary widely from one time of day to another or from one day to the next.
Fixtures in different parts of the building may be set with different flow rates.
Multistory buildings must employ mechanical pumps to overcome the loss of water pressure as water rises in vertical pipes.
Roy Hunter’s ground-breaking paper in 1940 took these variables into account and became the standard for estimating plumbing system loads for generations of engineers. While Hunter’s system has greatly contributed to plumbing applications, it leaves some gaps for modern plumbing systems.
Many engineers use the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) calculator, based on Hunter’s curve, which does not account for different water pressures or fixture flow rates.
Hunter’s Curve Explained—Without Calculus
Hunter’s curve assumes that every plumbing fixture has an expected on-time, during which it draws water at a specific flow rate for a specific duration of time. Every fixture also has a minimum expected time between uses, impacted by the number of people in the building, their behavior, and the properties of the fixtures. Estimating peak demand takes into account the following variables:
Fixtures
Flow rate
Duration
Time between uses
Number of people in the building
Fixture characteristics
Herbert’s method for estimating peak water demand is more accurate than Hunter’s and easier to obtain, as the calculations can be achieved on a laptop computer. With more accurate estimations, engineers can specify the right sized pipes, which translates to lower costs, less likelihood of pathogens breeding in pipes, and more efficient use of water.
Because several of these variables change drastically over time, estimating peak demand becomes a probability problem. Hunter proposed using the 99th percentile of each fixture’s likelihood of being in use—in other words, the most fixtures running at the same time—to create his probability curve.
However, Hunter had to assign arbitrary values to each fixture to account for multiple fixture types with different flow rates. That’s why Hunter’s method can be off by more than 20 percent in estimating peak demand with modern fixtures.
How Convolution Conquers Complexity
When you account for all the probabilities for each variable, the complexity of accurately estimating peak water demand is truly staggering. For instance, as water is pumped higher in a tall building, water pressure varies from one floor to the next. A flush valve set to a given flush volume will open for a shorter duration at higher pressure, translating to a lower probability that the valve is open, which impacts the demand calculation. You can have a different calculation for every floor in the building.
According to Herbert, exact enumeration of all the variables in play requires 2n calculations—with n being the total number of fixtures in the building. A building with 1,000 fixtures would require 21,000 calculations, which would require NASA-level computational power. Other methods are more accurate for large buildings but less accurate for smaller buildings.
Herbert’s formula is the most accurate yet. It involves convolution—a mathematical operation on two functions that expresses how the shape of one is modified by the other. For non-mathematicians, Herbert describes convolution as “a fancy type of multiplication.”
With convolution, the number of calculations required to account for all the probabilities in a peak demand estimate is only n2, where n is the total number of fixtures in the building. In a building with 1,000 fixtures, that’s 10002, or one million calculations, which is a much lighter computational load.
How much lighter? Dr. Herbert runs it on a laptop.
Three Reasons to Use Herbert’s Formula
More accurate peak water demand estimates are important for three reasons.
Cost. Most engineers specify larger pipes than needed, knowing their estimates can be off by as much as 20 percent, said Herbert. They reason that it is better to spend too much than to risk the pipes failing to deliver enough water during peak demand.
Hygiene. Too-large pipes are more likely to retain standing water, which can breed Legionella bacteria (that cause Legionnaire’s disease) and other pathogens.
Sustainability. Modern faucets and flushometers deliver optimal water-saving performance when they are adjusted to the right flow rate. To estimate peak water demand more accurately, engineers need more accurate flow rates—so they are more likely to inform installers of the correct flow rates to set.
Finally, estimating accurate peak water demand is just good engineering. With Herbert’s formula, there is no excuse for anything less.
For more information, visit www.sloan.com. MCAA thanks Sloan for being a benefactor of MCAA22.
In today’s high-tech world, when people talk about tool timesavers they tend to focus on the latest Bluetooth technology or the newest gadget. Yet, technology is not the only way to cut down time on a jobsite: tools that allow you to work smarter, not harder, can help any professional get to the next jobsite more effectively and efficiently. Here are a few questions to consider when evaluating the timesaving merits of a tool:
Can the tool do more than one job? The best tools seem to help you do more with less: less gear, less time, less looking around. Anytime you can rely on a tool to perform more than one task, that is a win. You will reach in your toolbox less and have less to haul onto a jobsite. For example, some wrenches provide multiple surface wrench sizes on one side and have an open box-end for line nuts. This type of wrench has you covered for straight stops, appliance legs, shower heads, faucet nuts, stool bolts, and more.
Are you maximizing the tool’s versatility? Knowledge of a tool’s full ability is also key to saving time and limiting redundancy in your toolbox. Pressing tools are a good example. Plumbers appreciate press tools because they save time on connections and eliminate the need for soldering. Some press tools can do more than just press pipe connections. For example, Ridge Tool Company has designed their RIDGID press tools to be multipurpose. Understanding that no two jobs are created equal, Ridge Tool built the RP 342-XL for them all: Its versatile design packs major power and boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool. It can press 1/2” to 4” copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel pipe and 1/2” to 2” PEX—in less than 10 seconds. It is also compatible with the full line of RIDGID Standard 32kN press tool accessories, including the StrutSlayr™ Strut Shear Head, Press Snap™ Soil Pipe Cutter, and all MegaPress jaws.
How reliable are the tools you buy? Any tool is a timesaver if it is reliable. Think about the tools you have owned the longest. Which tools push through a hard job without breaking? What brand is a one- or two-year tool versus a lifetime of performance? When you are constantly having tools break down and you are investing time and money to replace or repair them, that is a waste. Buying reliable, proven tools is the best timesaver (and moneymaker). A strong warranty program is nice, but if the tool is always breaking—even if the repairs are free—that downtime will cost you money every time.
Are you buying tools for today or tomorrow? This question builds on the issue of reliability. Sometimes cost is a hard line that you cannot cross. But when you can, always consider your long-term plans. You might buy a smaller drain cleaner because it costs less. Yet, you know that the larger commercial drain cleaner will allow you to do 10 times as many jobs and build your business in the future. Which is a better investment? Tool redundancy has its place, but for higher-cost items, it can be a drain on expenses and a sore spot if your small drain cleaner is collecting dust in a warehouse a year from now.
Will I have to start from scratch when I need to upgrade? When you buy equipment to meet your immediate needs, consider whether there are products designed to complement the equipment as you upgrade. For example, RIDGID reels, imaging cameras, monitors, locators, recorders, and drain cleaning equipment are designed to work together, so setup time is fast and compatibility is a given. Along with faster setup time, purchasing tools that integrate with each other can save you money and minimize downtime for training.
Saving time equals more jobs, and that means more income. There are many ways to adjust your tool inventory so you can work smarter, not harder.
By Kim Darke-Miller, Senior Manager for Strategic Accounts, SLOAN
Up until now, handwashing has always taken place within the confines of the restroom. But what if hand sanitation and where it takes place were reimagined?
With the pandemic bringing added attention to the importance of hand hygiene and inspiring new handwashing innovation, that’s exactly what is underway right now. Commercial restroom manufacturers and architectural firms are partnering together to begin integrating handwashing into our existing environment. Places such as hospitality venues, restaurants, public transportation, sports stadiums, and schools are ideal for this endeavor.
For example, imagine going to a professional sporting event and having a quick and easy way to wash your hands without waiting in long lines at halftime or during breaks before getting food? Similarly, double-sided wash stations in restaurants can help bridge the space between the entry and lounge areas. Guests who check in with the host can then wash their hands while waiting for their table.
This new concept, known as “Sinks Beyond the Restroom,” is integrating handwashing with the public spaces that we engage with in our daily routines to promote hand hygiene outside the restroom. But what does this mean for contractors, and how do these installations impact their work with connecting to water and drain lines, complying with plumbing codes, and more?
Sink stations outside the restroom require necessary components that may be a no-brainer when it comes to restroom infrastructure but might not be as readily available in traditional public spaces. Contractors and installers need to ensure that a drain is located nearby for wastewater to flow into, without impeding the rest of the public space. Typically, drainage and water-source locations dictate the area where sinks can be located.
Take airports, for example. Most airports already have drains integrated into areas prior to walking through security for people to dispose of liquids, making them an ideal location for handwashing stations. In areas with existing plumbing, placing handwashing stations near restrooms or restaurants makes installation even easier to accomplish.
Office buildings present three critical moments where guests can benefit from a range of handwashing options as they enter and exit the building: directly adjacent to the entry, the reception desk, and the area adjacent to the elevators.
However, installing handwashing stations against an outside wall or other areas could involve more extensive renovations. Integrating handwashing into the infrastructure of the concourse during new construction allows the architect/MEP to easily account for water lines, etc., making new installations ideal.
When it comes to new construction, architects and engineers can account for all water lines when designing floors to avoid slip and fall potential. In this instance, perforated nonslip flooring is an ideal specification to let water fall into a drain and then reclaim the water, while integrated hand dryers help keep water off the floor. While local codes vary by state, the future of handwashing is changing, and codes will certainly evolve with it.
However, there might be certain instances where a permanent installation just isn’t the right fit. That’s where new mobile handwashing stations come into play. Equipped with hands-free, sensor-operated technology, mobile handwashing stations are designed to enable more convenient handwashing options placed anywhere inside or outside a building where hygiene is essential.
Additional Applications
This Sinks Beyond the Restroom concept can be practiced even further. Office buildings present three critical opportunities where guests can benefit from a range of handwashing options as they enter and exit the building.
The first location is directly adjacent to the entry and takes the form of an individual vessel. The second stop integrates with the reception desk and combines handwashing with opportunities to engage with informational and educational content like building and tenant information. Lastly, the area adjacent to the elevators is important, as highly visible sinks are especially important near high-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons.
Airport concourses also present opportunities for handwashing in the midst of a bustling environment to help travelers feel safe and confident while staying on schedule. Public handwashing stations can integrate useful travel information on monitors above the sink listing flight departure and arrival information, digital airport maps, city highlights, and more.
Lastly, implementing handwashing outlets throughout school corridors presents an opportunity to reinforce learnings in the classroom thanks to a series of fun and teachable moments that develop healthy lifelong habits. This will help reinforce proper handwashing for students coming to and from their lockers in between class or before lunch.
SLOAN and a leading architectural firm are teaming up to accomplish this handwashing beyond the restroom innovation. The two organizations began this journey by gathering dozens of market and industry experts across the country to form focus groups to determine how to best achieve this goal. SLOAN’s touch-free technology, together with its architectural prowess, now has the capability to deliver hands-free handwashing in environments where we engage in everyday activities.
To renovate an historic building while simultaneously seeking to reach new heights in sustainability, Holaday-Parks installed a water-saving vacuum plumbing system from AcornVac, a division of Morris Group International. The AcornVac system was among the solutions that earned the building recognition as one of the most environmentally friendly office spaces of its size worldwide. It also eliminates the need for costly trenching or core drilling.
Once a two-story building, 400 Westlake now stands tall as a 15-story office building, encompassing 180,000 square feet of office space and ground-floor retail. Situated in the vibrant South Lake Union district of Seattle, WA, it has the distinction of being part of Seattle’s Living Building Pilot Program, earning the esteemed Living Building Challenge’s Petal Certifications in the areas of energy, beauty, and place.
See the sidebar, Living Up to the Living Building Challenge, to learn more about living buildings.
Revolutionary Renovation
When Holaday-Parks assumed the role of mechanical and plumbing engineer-of-record for the 400 Westlake project in Seattle, WA, they anticipated the inevitable challenges that lay ahead. For Jennifer Schneider, the Holaday-Parks project manager for 400 Westlake, the magnitude of the project truly hit home when their team, in collaboration with project partners, received the prestigious 2023 Energy Vision Award. “This project is a groundbreaking endeavor that has the power to revolutionize the world and our industry,” said Schneider.
The transformative office renovation meticulously preserved the Art Deco-style auto garage initially constructed in 1929 for the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. The result is a testament to sustainability.
A Water-Saving Solution
The decision to use vacuum plumbing was primarily driven by its water-saving capabilities, as AcornVac’s toilets require less than .5 gallons of water per flush. Compared with other low-volume flush systems, the AcornVac system significantly conserves water use.
Laura Marshall, AcornVac vice president, emphasized the importance of the vacuum plumbing system’s water and waste treatment savings. The vacuum flush water savings can amount to thousands of dollars and millions of gallons per year in larger applications. For instance, a commercial office building with 500 occupants, equipped with a single vacuum center and .5-gallon-per-flush vacuum toilets, can save over 265,000 gallons per year compared with other low-flush toilets. In addition, the vacuum system also provides drainage for lavatories, urinals, and other plumbing fixtures.
Vacuum plumbing is a straightforward and viable alternative to below-floor waste drainage. By using a combination of vacuum pressure and gravity, reduced volumes of water are required for toilet flushing, and waste piping can be routed through the ceiling in the same floor on which the plumbing fixtures are installed, so installers do not need to dig trenches or use core drilling. Vacuum drainage systems are widely accepted and recognized by many code authorities and are included in the latest editions of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Schneider had experience with the AcornVac system for condensate drainage at major retail stores. The scale of the 400 Westlake project posed new opportunities, and AcornVac provided active support throughout the installation process, conducting inspections and offering guidance on layout, installation, and commissioning.
“I would recommend working with AcornVac because they were helpful and engaged in the design and all the way through startup and commissioning,” Schneider added. “We had excellent support.”
Before beginning the installation, Holaday-Parks opted for an onsite mockup in the first restroom. This allowed them to meticulously plan and arrange all components, including piping and fixtures, ensuring proper layout to suit both installation requirements and future maintenance access.
The vacuum plumbing project has been a learning experience for Holaday-Parks, enabling the company to propose and execute large-scale sustainable projects confidently. “While we added some complexity, our crew now possesses a specialized skill set that sets them apart from their peers. It’s not something that is taught when learning the trade,” said Schneider.
Setting a New Standard
400 Westlake also stands out because of Holaday-Parks’ innovative incorporation of a greywater/rainwater harvesting and management system that provides toilet flush water for the AcornVac system. The roof collects rainwater, filling a 100,000-gallon vault that supplies the rainwater/greywater management system. If the system lacks sufficient rainwater/greywater, it automatically switches to the domestic water supply.
Marshall said of the rainwater/greywater system, “We have encountered many unique requirements and applications on other projects, but this was a very clever and creative addition to the system, and its benefits will extend to future building owners.”
400 Westlake was recently commissioned, and Schneider is confident that the system will perform flawlessly once the building is fully occupied. Water savings will be quantified and documented over time through water metering, and water savings certifications are anticipated in approximately 18 months. It is anticipated that 400 Westlake will generate 105 percent of its energy needs and consume 35 percent less energy than a typical office building.
Marshall expressed pride in Holaday-Parks’ accomplishments, commending their willingness to embrace creative planning and use of vacuum plumbing and rainwater/greywater harvesting for water savings. “Their achievements have not only benefited their clients, but the community and the environment,” Marshall remarked. “They have set a new industry standard.”
Sidebar: Living Up to the Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge is a green building certification program, administered by the International Living Future Institute. Seattle, WA, implemented the Living Building Pilot Program as part of a strategy to become carbon-neutral by 2050. The Challenge uses a flower motif, which symbolizes efficiency, and is organized around seven performance areas, or “petals”: place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty.
A Living Building is a sustainable structure that surpasses traditional green building standards by meeting rigorous performance standards in energy, water, materials, and indoor air quality. These high-performance buildings incorporate advanced engineering systems to reduce environmental impact and enhance human well-being. They use renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, and innovative water management systems, such as rainwater harvesting and vacuum drainage.
Living Buildings promote a connection with nature through features such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and biophilic design. They are built with nontoxic, locally sourced materials and designed for disassembly and recycling, fostering a circular economy. Living Buildings showcase cutting-edge sustainable engineering to create efficient, environmentally friendly spaces that prioritize human health and well-being.
Download Living Building Challenge 4.0: A Visionary Path to a Regenerative Future, here.
Sidebar: Keys to Success
The renovation of 400 Westlake in Seattle represents a collaboration of the following key individuals:
For Holaday-Parks: Jennifer Schneider, Project Manager; Michael Cook, Engineering Manager; Blake Hallauer, Engineer; and Tony Bandli, Plumbing Foreman
For Crutcher Lewis: Ashley Frederick, Project Executive
Zurn Product Manager Bob Carter noted, “Continual direct communication between Danforth and Zurn via phone, email, and text ensured expectations were met.” Weekly, biweekly, or monthly calls were held internally (depending on the speed of the project at the time) between customer care, operations, sales reps, and product management to coordinate material movement. The Zurn contractor team also held calls with the contractor, area manager, and product manager to get pertinent project information straight from the contractor. “It’s very evident that Zurn was willing to help us out whenever we needed it,” said Casey Hopkins, project manager at Danforth.
for shipment at a moment’s notice and within a day’s transit time. This approach meant that less material sat at the jobsite, lowering the risk of costly product misplacement or damage. Zurn’s efficient and accurate deliveries contributed to the on-time and on-budget opening of the state-of-the-art health care facility.
Zurn One Systems took the guesswork out of mixing and matching different manufactured plumbing parts. As Hopkins explained, “Zurn does this awesome thing called a Zurn One Package. Everything you need to install a fixture in one box, ready to go.”
The project specified Sloan’s vitreous china Designer Urinal and wall-mounted water closet, each paired with a Sloan SOLIS
