While we are well aware of technologies that consume our life, most homeowners are not aware of the latest plumbing technologies. For example, if you asked a homeowner about Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX), most homeowners would not know that it is the preferred tubing to pipe or repipe a home. They don’t have a clue about the latest advancements in water heaters, toilets, faucets, showerheads, or drain cleaning equipment. If a homeowner’s water heater breaks down, they run to the local home center and buy a new one without knowing about other water heaters’ benefits. Some of the latest water heaters can save 24 to 34% in energy cost over water heaters purchased just ten years ago. Thomas Jefferson was spot on when he said, “Knowledge is power.”
Smart Toilet Technology
We now have smart toilets starting at around a thousand dollars and move up in cost from there. One of the benefits of a smart toilet is a heated seat that has a preset temperature. It also comes complete with a bidet that allows you to customize your spray settings. It doesn’t stop there. There is an auto flush feature that only uses a meager 1.28 gallons per flush. And you’ll never need toilet paper again because it has auto dry features too–––completely eco friendly. You won’t get lost in the dark trying to find the toilet because it has led lights, and everything gets powered from a remote.
Smart Shower Technology
How has shower technology changed the way we shower? I’m glad you asked. Makers like Moen, Kohler, Grohe, and Thermasol all have their versions of a smart shower. The shower connects to your smartphone through an app that connects to Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Google Assist, and your Wifi. The features include voice activation, preset shower temperatures, rain shower technology, and multi-function body spray.
Advanced Plumbing System Equipment To Better Serve A Customer
There is advanced camera equipment that will pinpoint problem areas in a drain pipe. The camera has a flexible cable that can navigate through multiple tight turns. The equipment is self-leveling and provides crisp, clear images back to your plumbing technician so they can precisely diagnose the problem. When the plumber detects the problem, they can show the homeowner firsthand where the problem is located. Not all plumbing companies have the equipment, and unless a homeowner asks for camera-specific equipment, they may end up with a plumber that’s walking in the dark.
Powerful Drain Cleaning Technology
Hydro jet drain cleaning may not be the latest plumbing technology, but many homeowners are still unaware of the drain cleaning advancements. Most plumbing companies still use a plumber’s snake to clear tough drains. While they are still a very reliable tool, they cannot clear every drain. The US Jetting #4018 is a truck-mounted machine capable of clearing everything in its path, including tree roots. Unlike a plumber’s snake, the hydro jetter will leave your drain sparkling clean. If you’re having a tough drain cleared, ask your plumbing company if they have a truck-mounted hydro jetter.
Brain Pipes, Smart Pipes, Flo by Moen Are All The Rage
We have smart toilets, smart faucets, smart showers, and now we have smart pipes. Smart pipes can detect a leak and alert the homeowner before it causes widespread damage. They get installed on your main freshwater line coming into the home and work through an app on your smartphone. In some cases, you may even receive a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. Some of these devices can even turn the water off for you. Most of these smart devices should be installed by a plumbing professional. Big B’s Plumbing license #986152
