Ken Wijaya
Senior Director of IAPMO Research and Testing Laboratory

 
The Product Evolution Continues

If you work for either an independent testing laboratory or the manufacturer of plumbing and mechanical products, you are frequently exposed to changes and trends in the industry.

Plumbing has changed considerably in the last 10 years or so due to many factors. The building and construction industries have begun focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly designs. Both the national and international plumbing communities have become aware of the limited amount of clean water available and this information is now filtering down to individual consumers, who have become more aware of their personal water consumption due to local programs that focus on water conservation products.

However, that is not to say that plumbing products labeled as green are not stylish. As consumers become more educated about plumbing products and materials, they have created a demand for more sophisticated and multi-functional products.

For instance, the standard toilet has evolved in the last century from the standard two-piece type (still popular) to the sleek new one-piece toilets or matching suite with lavatories and bathtubs. Many have pressurized tanks to help lower water consumption. Some toilets are state of the art. These new designs incorporate heated seats, bidets, remote controls and even a music system.

Another toilet system was designed with your health in mind. This system will measure urine sugar, blood pressure, body fat and weight on a daily basis. The data can be transferred over a home network, too, for viewing on your PC.
 
Other technology allows toilets to be flushed using water recycled from the washing machine or shower.

Bathing trends have also changed as new materials and products come onto the market. The bathroom has now become a personal experience. Advertisements have shown us how to transform our ordinary bathroom into a luxurious spa. 

Showers containing custom controls, sound systems and mood lighting are now available to help us relax at the end of the day. However, the showerheads and body sprays used in most shower systems are water conservation types. 

Spas and whirlpool bathtubs are no longer just for therapy. Televisions and sound systems are now a common part of the bathing experience, as these products have been incorporated right into the spa. New bathtubs are the walk-in type, specially designed to assist us as we age. These walk-in versions incorporate many of the features of the regular whirlpool tubs.

Lavatory sinks and bathtubs made of glass, metal, plastic, marble, jade and other natural stone have transformed our bathrooms into works of art. Beautifully designed faucets are low flow to help conserve water.

Kitchens are no longer just for cooking. They have developed into part of the consumer’s personality, reflecting his or her taste. They are now family rooms, meeting rooms and entertaining rooms. From beautiful granite countertops and stainless steel sinks to faucets that you just touch to turn on or off and built-in water filtration systems, kitchens are an important part of our daily life.

Many plumbing manufacturers now have Websites to which the consumer can go to view products and even design their own kitchens or bathrooms.

The next decade is sure to bring more exciting changes to the plumbing industry.