Faucet Depot's Blog

Commercial Kitchen Faucets are mainly used in restaurants, hotels, hospitals etc. But if you are looking for a high quality faucet that can withstand many years of heavy use, there is no reason not to install one in your home kitchen. Some more serious home chefs actually prefer a commercial or Semi-Professional Kitchen Faucet because standard faucets just don’t hold up to the demands like commercial models do.  Commercial faucets are more expensive but you get what you pay for. Some of the most reputable brands that come to mind are Chicago Faucets, T&S Brass, KWC, Moen, Delta and Pfister just to name a few.

There are really only two types of Commercial Kitchen Faucets, deck mount and wall mount. Depending on how you have your kitchen set up and where the water lines run will determine which type is best for you. You could always re-route your water lines as well if you are renovating your kitchen. But in general, if your water lines are under your counter, then a deck mount faucet is the right choice for you and if the lines are running up and through the wall then wall mount is what you should go with.

There are a few different styles to choose from depending on the tasks you want to perform. Commercial Faucets with a longer spout length are ideal for a compartment sink, while faucets with a shorter spout length are perfect for hand sinks and sanitizing stations. If you have a lot of large pots and pans then you may consider a faucet with a high neck or “gooseneck” spout to easily tower over those items. Pull out spray heads are another great choice to reach those difficult places. Also, Pull Out Faucets usually have a better aesthetic appeal than the traditional wall or deck mount faucet. If you can’t decide, you can get the best of both worlds in the Blanco Master Gourmet Commercial Kitchen Faucet. This versatile faucet has a swivelling high gooseneck spout and pre-rinse metal hand spray all in one.

A few important things to consider before you purchase a new Commercial Kitchen Faucet:

Quality & Durability – These are the benchmarks to look for and if you plan on using and abusing this faucet where a lot of food preparation and cleaning is to be done, the last thing you need is for it to break down on you when you need it most. Research is the key here, search the web to find a trusted online faucet retailer and read the reviews before you purchase.

Water Flow – You want to be sure to buy a Commercial Kitchen Faucets that has good water flow but also water saving properties. Cooking in a commercial sense will have you using a lot more energy and water than a conventional kitchen would. Look for a quality faucet with an aerator to minimize your water waste like the Delta Commercial Teck Two Handle Faucet.

Appearance – Notice this was not #1 on the list? That’s because you will have to sacrifice a little bit and sometimes a lot of design WOW when you go the commercial route. This is probably the main thing driving consumers away from installing commercial faucets in their home kitchen.  That being said, companies like KWC do make some pretty slick looking commercial faucets, so you can find that diamond in the rough if you look hard enough.

Price – Yes, you are going to pay more for a Commercial Kitchen Faucet BUT the materials used to make them are more superior, heavy duty and longer lasting than your traditional faucet, so it’s a trade off.

As you can see by going the commercial route there are pros and cons. You have to decide for yourself what is right for you and your kitchen demands. Take your time, do your homework and you will get the commercial kitchen of your dreams that will make you smile for a long, long time.

Check out our site at FaucetDepot.com and see all of the Commercial Products we have to offer you!

Whether you are applying new hardware to the cabinets in your kitchen, laundry, bath, linen or wherever else you deem appropriate, the decision to use quality cabinet hardware and not just aesthetically pleasing hardware will pay off down the road. Be sure to consider the following elements before you make this very important decision.

Choose a cabinet hardware that you can see yourself applying throughout the house, even if you don’t plan on adding hardware to these other rooms right now. A lot of designers use this simple method, which brings a sense of continuity throughout the house. By adding these simple consistent details in the kitchen, bath, laundry etc, it will add a feeling of completeness to the overall look of your home.

Think about matching the finishes of your existing or new appliances when choosing the best cabinet hardware. Having such a large expanse of stainless steel appliances would drive the decision to add cabinet hardware that either matches or compliments stainless steel.  You can also buy new hardware that is two tones, oil rubbed bronze and brushed nickel for instance. The brushed nickel will nicely compliment your stainless steel appliances while the oil rubbed bronze will leave the room open for additional design options.

Ease of use is another big consideration. What’s the point of having really nice looking hardware if it’s totally useless or cumbersome? This should especially be thought of when considering older generations. Some people can have a hard time with cabinet knobs; in this case cabinet pulls would be the better option. Remember, all of your hardware should perform as well as it looks.

You should plan on your hardware becoming pretty mucked-up, especially if you are replacing your old kitchen or bath hardware. So, another thing to think about is how easy is to clean? Sure it looks great but if you buy new cabinet knobs that have lots nooks and crannies, then your new knobs could quickly look like last night’s dinner, especially if you have children in the house.

Quality is just as, if not more important than looks. Some of the higher end designer hardware can cost upwards of $10-20 a piece! One of the industry secrets is to not buy your hardware directly from a cabinet company. Some of these specialty cabinet companies mark up their inventory more than 300%. Instead search the web for other companies that carry quality cabinet hardware at a fraction of the cost. Quality can also be associated with name; Baldwin Hardware, Atlas Homewares and Kohler are a few known as making outstanding cabinet hardware. Baldwin also makes some of the finest door hardware on the market.

Once you have selected your style, brand and trusted online retailer and have the new hardware in hand, another way to gauge quality is by weight. When you hold it in your hand it should feel solid and heavy. This is a good indication that the hardware you purchased is forged of one piece solid brass or another durable metal and will last the test of time.

Lastly, when you are satisfied with your purchase it’s time for the installation. Installing cabinet knobs and pulls is just about the easiest DIY job out there. If the holes are already drilled and to the right size, all you will need is a Phillips or Flathead screw driver to remove the old knobs and replace them with the new. If you need to drill new holes, be sure to measure twice and drill once. Use a drill bit that is slightly bigger in diameter than the bolt coming out of the new knob or pull to ensure a proper fit. Also for brand new hardware without holes, line up all your holes in a straight line using a laser leveller. This will ensure pinpoint accuracy and make you look like a real pro!

A little forethought goes a long way and these simple ideas will ensure that your design choice works will with the rest of your home and will give you many years of delight and functionality.

Shop today for top brand cabinet and door hardware at the lowest prices from your friends at FaucetDepot.com!

Earth Day was founded in 1970 and each year on April 22 is the anniversary of what many consider the awakening of environmental consciousness. Before we started to become ‘hip’ to loving the planet we were driving around in gas guzzling cars while huge industries were producing mass amounts or pollutants and water was being wasted on a unimaginable scale. The environment was seldom a topic on the evening news and an even more distant thought in the minds of most of Americans. The year 1970 marked the beginning of this powerful movement and brought these important issues to main stream America.

It all started eight years earlier with the release of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller “Silent Spring” in 1962. Through her book she raised public awareness, concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.  Her book sold an astonishing 500,000 copies in 24 countries and is viewed as a keystone in the modern environmental movement. Eight years later we have the official birth of earth day due to a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin by the name of Gaylord Nelson,  he was inspired to do change our current laws and mindset when he witnessed the devastation of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA in 1969. Shortly after, he announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” through the national media and a strong staff of 85; they started to promote events all across America. The end result was 20 million Americans taking to the streets, parks and auditoriums to rally for a healthy and sustainable environment. This was a movement like never seen before in respect to conservation and protection of the planet.

Over the last 42 years we have had great advances in green technologies and a cumulative positive mindset towards environmental consciousness. But it doesn’t end there, and together we all have to do our part to ensure our planet stays healthy for many more generations. That’s why we have compiled this checklist of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and conserve water. If everyone does their small part, together we can make a big difference. Happy Earth Day everyone!

Earth Day Checklist:

1)      Don’t let the water run continuously when washing dishes, brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hair.

2)      Run your washing machine and dish washer only when full.

3)      Install a filtered water dispenser instead of buying bottled water.  

4)      Switch out one day of driving with walking or riding your bike.

5)      Replace your old showerhead with a new low-flow showerhead; this could save up to 750 gallons a month.  

6)      Keep an eye on your water and energy bill to locate any leaks and update older appliances.

7)      Check your showers and faucets for leaks and replace your old rough in plumbing valve.

8)      Bring re-usable bags when you go food shopping.

9)      Look into replacing your tank type water heater with a new tankless water heater.

10)   Set a timer when you shower for 5 minutes, this will save hundreds of gallons a month.

11)   Put food coloring into your toilet tank, if it shows up in your toilet bowl without flushing, then you have a leak and should replace the toilet flapper. This could save over 500 gallons a month.

12)   Swap out incandescent lights for energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

13)   Upgrade your old toilet with a new high efficiency toilet or dual flush toilet.  

14)   Check your faucets for leaks and replace the cartridge if necessary, it’s a great DIY job.

15)   Check to make sure your sprinkler system is not over watering your lawn and only water early in the morning or late in the evening.

16)   Keep an eye on the Energy Star rating when buying new appliances, the higher the better.

17)   Install water saving aerators on all your faucets.

18)   Instant Hot Water Dispensers are a great alternative to running your hot water or using a microwave.

19)   Support local organic farms when it’s time to shop for food.

20)   Shop for faucets that have an EPA WaterSense label that can save 20% or more than a standard faucet.

21)   Turn off all your electronics and lights before you go to sleep.

22)   Switch to paperless statements for all of your bills.

23)   Garbage Disposals are great for breaking down food waste which is harmful in large quantities when left to decompose at a  landfill.

24)   Add a ventilation fan in your kitchen, bath and utility room to remove humidity which could cause harmful mold spores.

25)   Pass it on! Teaching younger and older generations about environmental conservation is the only way we can ensure a healthy planet.

Shop for great deals on a large selection of Green Plumbing Products at FaucetDepot.com and do your part on Earth Day!

It seems like Americans are just starting to realize the real importance of water conservation. The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has been studying water conservation for some time now and they’ve found that the situation is much more serious than we think. They estimate that by as early as next year we could have severe water shortages in over 30 states. This is due to the fact that we have no limitations on water usage in some parts of the country, unseasonably dry weather and the current water treatment plants are inefficient and out of date. Dual Flush Toilets can play a big part in immediately reducing how much water we waste and if everyone would do their part we could drastically change this gloomy outlook for the better.

Caroma is credited for creating the first two-button flushing system in 1980. This revolutionary design let the user choose either a half flush for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste with the simple push of a button. By 1993 a lot of countries were adopting this technology due to the rising cost of water, increased environmental awareness and government regulation. The United States is not far behind, with water shortages on the horizon it may only be a matter of time until Dual Flush Toilets are a permanent fixture in every bathroom.

Besides saving water, Dual Flush Toilets have another distinct advantage. Standard toilets use a lot of water to create a siphoning effect when disposing waste. Water quickly fills up the bowl and siphoning tube which causes a suction effect that pulls the water down the drain. Dual Flush Toilets on the other hand have a larger trap way and a wash down flushing design that actually pushes waste down the drain instead of siphoning. Since there is no siphoning required for a Dual Flush Toilet, the whole system requires less water per flush and the larger trap way lets the waste exit the bowl without clogging up the toilet.

Check out this video to see the difference from a standard toilet and a Caroma Dual Flush Toilet.

Even though Dual Flush Toilets are not mandatory in every American home, the government has taken their first positive steps in mandating water consumption. Since 1994 all toilets sold in the U.S. were required to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. This has caused other leading toilet manufacturers like Kohler, Toto and American Standard to come up with their own versions of High-Efficiency Toilets. These HET’s use technologies like gravity flush, dual flush and pressure assist all while meeting or exceeding the 1.6 gallon per flush maximum. This technology has proven solid but some users prefer a Dual Flush Toilet over a high efficiency toilet because it gives them greater control over the amount of water used per flush.

Even with the changes in law almost two decades ago, there are still millions of toilets in use that use up to 4 gallons per flush! To get these toilets out of commission the government has offered rebates and tax incentives to home owners with some success but there is still a lot of work to be done. With the amount of pre-1994 toilets still out there and the average person flushing a toilet five to eight times a day, we are wasting an astonishing 2 billion gallons of water a day in the United States alone. Water conservation is fast becoming a huge issue and with our growing population, insufficient water treatment plants and ever increasing droughts, we will all have to do our part for the sustainability of the planet, So please consider replacing your old toilet today!

Read more about Green Toilets here!

Shop today for the lowest prices on Green Products from your friends at FaucetDepot.com!

Grohe has been making quite an impression in the kitchen. They offer a wide array of designs to match your personal style and budget.  Grohe Kitchen Faucets are a skillful balance of German quality, innovation and design. By utilizing only the best materials and the latest technologies, these kitchen faucets are proven to deliver years of reliable performance. While other faucet manufacturers are bringing in celebrity designers, Grohe has turned to their internal design team to create award winning designs and this confidence from within has paid off. Led by Paul Flowers, the Grohe design team was recently awarded the Red Dot design team of the year award for 2011. This prestigious award is presented annually to international design teams which continuously produce innovative work.

Award winning designs are only as good as the technology inside and it’s this technology that makes Grohe Faucets one of the most dependable brands on the market.  Grohe’s ongoing investments in world-leading technologies allow their faucets to be easy to operate and perform perfectly through the test of time. This technology is also incorporated to the conservation of water as well. Grohe understands how water works and how much of a precious resource drinkable water really is. They put a lot of effort in incorporating sustainable systems, like their line of WaterCare kitchen faucets that can reduce water consumption by 30%. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these innovative technologies that keep Grohe Kitchen Faucets performing at the highest standards and looking great while doing it.

GROHE SilkMove – Acting as the heart of your faucet, these cartridges are produced from an advanced ceramic alloy and then coated with a special Teflon lubricant for almost friction free operation. These cartridges ensure a lifetime of maintenance free reliability and are so easy to use they can be easily controlled by just one finger. They feature a larger operating angle which delivers exact temperatures in one effortless motion.

GROHE Whisper – This technology guarantees your kitchen faucet will operate at the quietest level possible with no irritating noise or spattering water. The only sound you will hear is water hitting the bottom of your sink.

GROHE StarLight– Having perfected the art of plating over the past several decades, this chrome finish is in a class of its own. Several deep layers of nickel and chromium blend together to produce one of the best faucet finishes in the world. When completed this finish has a mirror like sheen that is soil repellent, non-tarnishing and scratch resistant. The StarLight finish is will look as deep and rich as the day you bought your faucet.

GROHE RealSteel– Faucets that tote the RealSteel finish are made with solid grade 304 stainless steel. This is the preferred faucet material for commercial applications and the demanding home kitchen. This material is food neutral, which means it is resistant to acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes. It is also easy to clean, non-corrosive and nearly indestructible.

Grohe Kitchen Faucet Collections are available in a lot of different styles and models to fit any home decor, from modern to timeless, Pull-out, Single-Handle, Two-Handle and more. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the more popular Grohe Kitchen Faucet Collections.

GOHE LadyLux 3– This is Grohe’s best selling pull-down kitchen faucet and an upgrade from the previous model, the LadyLux.The LadyLux 3 features a more streamlined body than its predecessors and the new design effortlessly merges with your countertop to create the perfect union. Available in 3 models the LadyLux3 Plus, LadyLux3 Café and LadyLux3 Pro, all feature dual pattern spray heads and a forward rotation handle to reduce backsplash installation limits. This collection also features SilkMove cartridges, SpeedClean technology and is available in StarLight, SuperSteel and RealSteel finishes to satisfy any décor.

GROHE K4– This collection is offered in both main sink and bar/prep models. Designed to compliment your commercial grade kitchen appliances, the K4 appeals to people that are both serious at cooking and creating a beautifully functional kitchen. The pull-out spray head is ergonomically designed for your hand and the well placed button lets you effortlessly switch through the different spray modes. This faucet has the patented SilkMove cartridge and SpeedClean anti-lime system which maintains a like-new spray function with a simple swipe of the spray head.

GROHE Bridgeford – For those looking for a more traditional design in a Kitchen Faucet then look no further than the Bridgeford faucet. This collection comes in three different flavors, with the first design taking its cues from the designs of the K4 and the LadyLux except the Bridgeford pull-down faucet has a lot more intricate detailing to accent any Victorian styled kitchen. The other two models in this collection are the Bridge faucet and Widespread Kitchen Faucet. Old World detailing is perfected on these designs but inside they come with the 21^st century technology you can depend on. The bridge faucets are offered in rich oil rubbed bronze finish and the collection is completed with bar faucets to perfectly accent your kitchen.

These three collections are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Grohe kitchen faucets. They offer a huge range of faucets with unique designs and product features that makes them ideal for any family kitchen.

Check out a lot more Grohe Faucet Collections at FaucetDepot.com today and save big with our everyday low prices!

How many of us really think about where our food ends up when we throw it in the trash? For the most part food waste is trucked to landfills, where it is dumped and left to decompose. Nearly 19 billion tons of food each year reaches its final destination this way. You may be thinking to yourself, no big deal right? Isn’t that where food is supped to end up when we are finished with it? The only problem is, once your food reaches the landfill and starts to decompose and emits methane gas. This may not be a big deal in small quantities but on a large scale this can become quite problematic. Methane gas is at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide gas and a major contributor to global warming. Even though most of the media attention and global warming articles focus on CO2, methane gas is much worse.

This is where food waste disposers or garbage disposals come in to play. They serve as an environmentally responsible alternative to trucking food waste to landfills, which in turn helps to reduce green house emissions. By sending your food waste through a garbage disposer, it drastically cuts down the size of your waste and the amount of methane gas emitted. Some more high tech, waste water treatment plants even have the capability to turn your processed food waste into renewable energy which can be turned into electricity and fertilizer which is essential to the growth of new fruits and vegetables. Garbage disposers play an iatrical part in the complete recycling process. Check out this video and see for yourself!

As far as what brand of disposal to choose, InSinkErator is the best-selling brand in the world and for over 75 years they have been the top choice of plumbers, builders and home owners. They are continuing their tradition of very efficient and earth friendly disposals with the Evolution Series. These disposals are the best grinding and quietest line of disposers on the market. InSinkErator’s patented MultiGrind and SoundSeal technologies put them in a class all on their own.

SoundSeal Technology makes sure you never have to put a conversation on hold when you run your garbage disposer. In fact the Evolution series runs 40% quieter than other standard disposers on the market. They use a combination of advanced sound insulation and anti-vibration components to achieve this remarkable effect. If 40% quieter is still too loud for your needs, they also offer SoundSeal Plus found on their Evolution Excel and Evolution Cover Control models. This melding of multi-layered sound blocking reduces the noise by 60% and lets you have a conversation with normal voices while the disposer is busy chewing up your left-overs.

On the grinding frontier, InSinkErator hits another home run with MultiGrind and MultiGrind Plus Technology. MultiGrind is a two stage process which enables you to grind up your food waste a lot better than with pervious disposers. Two stage grinding is great for traditionally difficult foods items like bones and drain clogging foods like celery and potato peels. You can find MultiGrind Technology on InSinkErator’s Evolution Essential and Evolution Compact models. MultiGrind Plus Technology is for the serious grind fanatic. This is a three stage process that allows you to grind almost anything from rib bones to corn cobs. The patented Plus Technology also includes a Jam Sensor that virtually eliminates jams caused by food waste. With Five models in the Evolution series, you can be sure to find one that will fit all of your disposer needs.

At a lower price point but with all the reliability InSinkErator is known for is the Badger Series. The interior has rugged galvanized steel construction with a powerful Dura-Drive motor. This series includes the Badger 1, Badger 5 and Badger 5xp, with 1/3, 1/2 and 3/4 horse power respectively. You can find the badger series of disposers in R/V’s, condos and apartments where the demand might not be as great as a larger home.  But don’t let their little size fool you; this series is just as hard working as their big brothers in the Evolution series.

Adding a new garbage disposal or replacing your existing model is a positive step towards conserving the environment. It will significantly cut down on the toxic gasses produced by food waste and the expense to you is minimal. By processing your food waste properly, you will be doing an important part in the recycling process, which can make a big difference in the long run and that is a good thing for all of us.

Shop FaucetDepot.com for a great selection of InSinkErator Garbage Disposals at the lowest prices online!

Noritz Tankless Water Heaters are quickly becoming the popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a compact and energy saving alternative to the traditional tank-type water heater. These water heaters have a myriad of advantages and technology incorporated into them that make the decision to switch a no-brainer. If you are looking into replacing your tank-type model and would like to know more about how tankless models work and what advantages they have over their energy draining cousins, then this article is for you! Let’s first take a look at how Tankless Water Heaters work.

Simplicity is the key component to Tankless Water Heater operation:

1) When you turn on the hot water tap in your kitchen or bath faucet.
2) The cold water enters the Tankless unit and the flow sensor detects the flow of water.
3) The internal computer ignites the burner.
4) As water circulates through the heat exchanger the burner heats the water to the desired temperature.
5) Enjoy an endless stream of hot water anywher in your home. Once the water is turned off the unit also shuts off to save energy = money.

Besides the simple operation of a Tankless unit, there are many other advantages to installing a Noritz Tankless system. The first being size, on average you can save 9 square feet of floor space by installing these systems on either the exterior, garage or basement wall. Tankless Heaters also last longer than the tank-type models, Noritz Heaters come with a 12 year warranty as compared to an average of 6 years on a tank-type model. They also have an overall two to three times greater life expectancy. Tankless Heaters are 30% more efficient as compared to a traditional 50 gallon water heater, and since there is no water to constantly heat like the tank-type models, you can save up to half the cost of your current energy bill. As tank-type models age and the water corrodes the inside of the tank, your water can become rusty, discolored and unsanitary. Tankless models do not have these problems because water is never stored in the unit.

If simplicity and the advantages mentioned above are not enticing enough for you to switch to a Tankless Heater, then how about a rebate of up to $300? Tankless Water Heater rebates are offered because they are a lot more energy and environmentally friendly alternatives. There are a bunch of energy tax credits, promotions and rebates to choose from to sweeten the deal. You can Find Local Rebates in your area, receive Federal Tax Credits and save even more with the Energy Star Rebate Program by clicking this link. http://www.noritz.com/homeowners/services/promos_rebates/

One of the hurdles that consumers face when deciding to go Tankless is the cost to replace their current tank-type heater. The price range for Tankless units can vary between five hundred and a couple thousand dollars for some of the bigger units.  This is expensive as compared to the cost of a traditional water heater. Installation is another factor but this not as big of an issue as you would think. An experienced plumber that has installed Tankless units can remove your old water heater and have the new one up and running in a matter of hours. The overall cost of installation may be a little more than just replacing your old unit but the new unit will start paying for itself immediately.

To sum this up, the advantages of replacing your old tank-type water heater with a new Noritz Tankless far out way the disadvantages. Tankless Heaters have come a long way since they were introduced into the market. The designs and technology incorporated into Noritz units far exceed traditional units and are proven to be very dependable. Not to mention, you will be saving energy and water every month. With our energy consumption and water so quickly becoming a precious resource, you will be doing your part to conserve and protect the planet, and that is something you can feel proud of.

Check out a Full Selection of Low Priced Noritz Tankless Water Heaters from your Friends at FaucetDepot.com

Have you ever needed a hand in your kitchen or bathroom? I’m not talking about cooking or washing the dog. I mean have you ever had your hands covered in soap or that night’s dinner and you have to turn your faucet on with your elbow or forearm? We’ve all performed that acrobatic feat before and once you do manage to turn your faucet on, it’s either flowing way to fast or slow and the temperature is never where you want it. Well now those awkward moments can be a thing of the past with Delta Touch2O and Touch2O.xt kitchen and bathroom faucets.

These are perfect for anyone looking for a faucet that is both great looking and extremely easy to use. These faucets come in two flavors, Touch2O and Touch2O.xt and you can get either one for your kitchen or bath. Touch2O so far is primarily incorporated into Delta’s most popular kitchen collections like Ashton, Addison, Pilar and Trinsic. They also make one model for the bathroom in the Talbott series. There are two ways you can activate a Touch2O faucet, first you can use the standard method of using the handle, just like any other faucet or you can touch anywhere on the faucet spout or handle to start and stop the flow of water. The temperature and flow of the water is determined by the position of the handle, once you find your perfect temperature and flow, just keep the handle set there and the faucet will do the rest every time you use the touch feature. As a safe guard, if the water stays running, Touch2O technology will automatically shut the water off after 4 minutes so you never have to worry about running up the water bill.  All this adds up to thousands of consumers introducing Delta Touch2O faucets into their homes. Since their intorduction in 2008 these faucets have received fantastic reviews for their ease of use and dependability, not to mention how great they look in the kitchen.

Delta’s Touch2O.xt faucets are created specifically for the bathroom because the have all the benefits of a Touch2O faucet and have hands free technology to boot. With the hands free mode, your faucet will turn on and off just by placing your hands anywhere under the faucet’s 4” sensor field. This field automatically picks up the movement and goes right into action. Unlike infrared sensors used on many types of residential and commercial faucets that can be spotty at best, the sensor field on a Touch2O.xt faucet is constant and the faucet turns on only after that field has been broken, thus making it a lot more reliable than infrared faucets. There is also a handy little light at the base of the faucet spout that indicates whether you are in touch mode, hands-free mode or if the battery needs replacement. Just like Touch2O for the kitchen, Touch2O.xt bathroom faucets have automatic water shut off safety features that turn the faucet off after 1 minute if the water is left running with no movement detected. You can find Touch2O.xt technology in Delta’s Addison and Lahara single handle lavatory faucets.

These faucets won’t break the bank either, the bathroom faucets start around $230 and the top of the price point is the Addison Kitchen Faucet in a Venetian Bronze finish for $392 bucks! When you compare these faucets to other top brands in the same price range, the added convenience of touch technology really sets them apart. Not to mention Delta has a ton of other award winning technologies they incorporate into their faucets like Multi-Flow spray heads, MagnaTite docking, Diamond Seal leak free cartridges, Touch Clean surfaces and Anti Tarnish finishes just to name a few.

Delta has really outdone themselves with Touch2O and Touch2O.xt faucet technology and we can’t wait to see what other great innovations they come up with in the years to come.

Check out these videos on Touch2O and Touch2O.xt Technology and see it for Yourself!
 
Delta Pilar Kitchen Faucet with Touch2O Technology
 
Delta Addison and Lahara Bathroom Faucets with Touch2O.xt Technology

Shop a huge selection of Delta Touch Faucets from your friends at FaucetDepot.com and save with Free Shipping on faucet orders over $99!

If we asked you, what is the most important element to keeping your home safe and functioning at its peak, what would you say? You might think about your water heater or furnace. Maybe you are thinking about your new kitchen faucet or shower system that makes you smile every time you use them. Most people don’t include Sump Pumps when thinking about that question but they are a must have to make your home a comfortable sanctuary.

The Sump Pump has the dirtiest job in the home and works hard on a regular basis with almost no recognition. They play an integral role in keeping your basement and possibly your home dry and above water. This is especially important for finished basements or a space you have that’s prone to flooding and you need it to stay dry.  Sump Pumps are placed into a Sump Pit in your basement or crawl space under your house. When water builds up around the foundation of your home it creates pressure on your foundation. This pressure can lead to cracking in your foundation and a possible way for water to get into your home. Homes are designed with what’s called a “key drain” right above your foundation footing to alleviate this pressure and direct water into your sump pit. By nature, water always seeks its lowest point and chooses the path of least resistance. These pits are specifically designed to be the lowest point in your home, thus this is where the water will populate. Sump Pits have a rock or gravel bottom that your Sump Pump sits on if your model does not have legs. These rocks act as a filter for the water that trap mud and other debris that could clog your pump and cause the water level to rise and cause damage.

So, now that you know the importance of a sump pit, let’s look at the different kinds of Sump Pumps you can buy. The less popular choice of the two would be a Pedestal Sump Pump. This design has a motor that is outside the sump pit which is attached to a long shaft that reaches to the bottom of the pit where the water is. The motor is activated by a floating ball (like the one in your toilet) that turns on when the water level causes the ball to rise above a certain level. This design is not as popular as its brother, the Submersible Pump because the unit is partly above ground, takes up valuable floor space and is lacking big time In the looks department.  Submersible Pumps on the other hand are not only more efficient and quieter, they also allow for a completely closed pit design, thus being the top choice for most home owners. The majority of Submersible Water Pumps are made from long lasting cast iron, stainless steel and tough plastic parts that resist rust and corrosion. They work on the same premise as the pedestal pump which active through a floating ball that turns on the pump when the water reaches a preset level. Both types of pump motors are powered by with your standard UL listed 3-wire plug and are easily installed in the pit within a matter of minutes.

Once you install a new sump pump, the maintenance is fairly simple and only needs to be completed once a year at springtime, just before the wet season. Here are some recommended maintenance steps you should perform to be prepared for the melting snow and rain.

• Check to make sure your pump is plugged in to a GFCI outlet. This is important for safety; these outlets will turn off or trip if something happens to your pump. This is an easy upgrade that could save your home from electrical damage or possibly fire damage.
• Take a look inside the Sump Pit and remove anything that could obstruct the ball float from moving up and down.
• There is a little hole in the discharge pipe called the weep hole. Make sure this hole is clean to avoid “airlock” which can cause your pump to seize.
•  Test the pump by adding some water to the pit, one the ball valve raises to a certain point the pump should turn on and quickly pump the water out of the pit.
• It is recommended to have a battery backup or water-powered backup for your sump pump. This will make sure the pump still performs during a power outage. Unplug the primary pump and add water to the pit again to make sure your battery backup or water-powered backup is functioning properly.
• Most pumps come equipped with a high water alarm, this will sound when the water reaches a certain height and the main pump and backup fail to turn on. This is usually a float switch at the top of the pump. You can manually lift this switch to test the alarm. Zoeller also makes a good product called Aquanot Flood Alert that installs independently of your pump and sounds an alarm when water reaches the sensor.
• While the pump is in operation, take a close look at all the piping and connections to make sure everything is secure and leak free.

Spending a few minutes to make sure your sump pump and pit are in good working order can possibly save you thousands in water damage. After completing the steps above, you might also realize it’s time to replace your old sump pump. New sump pumps are an inexpensive investment that will last for years. The top manufacturers of sump pumps include Zoeller, Little Giant and Liberty Pumps. Check out each site for more information, sizing charts and models to fit the demands of your home.

http://www.zoellerpumps.com/Home

http://franklin-electric.com/wastewater/little-giant-wastewater.aspx

http://www.libertypumps.com/

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Since the invention of their single handle mixing faucet in 1937, Moen quickly became a trusted household name in faucets all over the world. Through the years they have had many ground breaking innovations that have kept them on top of the faucet game. Moen faucets have always been known as easy to use and delightfully pleasing to the eye and it’s their passion for the products that make you forget just how much cutting edge technology goes into Moen kitchen and bathroom faucets. Let’s take a closer look at a few of their most recent “Smart Innovations” that keep loyal customers coming back time and time again.

Moen Reflex- We have all owned those pull-down kitchen faucets that at first look great but before you know it, the hose doesn’t contract as easy as it should and the spray head hangs down about a half inch lower than the spout. This makes for a sloppy looking faucet that has you second guessing your purchase. Moen has solved this problem with Reflex technology. Moen writes on their website: “No other pull-down faucets are as easy to use as Moen faucets with the Reflex pull-down system.” They may be right…This system is fantastic! It’s extremely easy to use and the sprayer returns to a secure docking system all by itself! Not only that but when you want to use the pull-down spray head it detaches very easily from the spout, no more wrestling with your kitchen faucet. The end of the hose has a little ball bearing just before the spray head begins. This bearing gives the spray head a nice smooth maximum rotating range of motion and the hose itself is smooth and silky, which feels very natural while you move around your kitchen sink. You can find the reflex system on such models as the Aberdeen, Arbor, Ascent, Brantford, Level and Woodmere kitchen faucets.

Moen Spot Resist Finish– Spending all your money on a nice new stainless steel kitchen or bathroom faucet loses its luster when you have to constantly polish it on a daily basis to remove all the finger prints and water spots from everyday use. Moen has the answer for this arduous daily task with the invention of their Brushed Nickel and Stainless finishes with Spot Resist. This innovation does exactly what the name implies, it resists fingerprints and water spots so you don’t have to constantly put elbow grease into your faucets every day to keep them looking beautiful. This wonderful coating developed by Moen is applied to the exterior of the faucet to protect the luster and finish of your faucet. You can find the Spot Resist Finish on a number of Moen Products ranging from Kitchen, Bathroom and Tub/Shower faucets and Showerheads. If less daily maintenance of your faucets is what you are after then Spot Resist is right up your alley!

Moen LifeShine Non Tarnish Finish – Sometimes we buy faucets that look great for a year or two and one day we notice a little flake missing off the spout or discoloration. No big deal, right? In no time that flake has multiplied and turned your faucet finish into a puzzle pattern of flakes and corrosion. This does not bode well for those of us who take pride in the appearance of our kitchen and bathroom faucets. Luckily Moen has once again solved this issue for their loyal customer base by coming up with LifeShine finishes. If you purchase a faucet with the Moen Lifeshine finish, they guarantee the finish to not tarnish, corrode or flake off for the life of the faucet! They came up with this super technology in collaboration with the NASA Glenn Research Center, so you know it’s got to be good. The LifeShine compound is bonded in the finish and not on it, which makes for a superior finish that lasts for the life of the faucet. You can find Moen’s LifeShine finish on Brushed Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Nickel, Classic Stainless, Stainless, Satine, and Polished Brass faucet and shower products.

Moen 1255 Duralast Cartridge– Leaky faucets have been a headache for homeowners since faucets were first in vented. Then In 1937, Al Moen invented a mixing cartridge that the first single handle faucet was designed around. This mixing cartridge revolutionized the industry and put Moen on the map in a big way. Now Moen offers the next generation of mixing cartridge technology with the 1255 Duralast Cartridge. This revolutionary innovation owned by Moen is the heart and soul for a lot of their best selling single handle faucets. The 1255 offers leak free and extremely smooth operation every time you use it without fail…for life. Rigorously tested to stand the test of time, the Moen 1255 Duralast Cartridge is leaps and bounds above other competitors in the market place. It’s small and dependable design gives Moen the edge in designing the next generation of single handle faucets.

These are some of Moen’s most recent innovations that keep them as one of the foremost brands in the faucet industry. Moen faucets are reliable, dependable and will be a welcome addition to your kitchen and bathroom.

You can find award winning Moen faucets at FaucetDepot.com and enjoy our low prices and lightening fast shipping, shop them all today!